FIFA turns down Reliance Industries–The Walt Disney Company $20M bid for FIFA World Cup 2026 India rights

FIFA has rejected a $20 million bid from the Reliance Industries–The Walt Disney Company joint venture for the 2026 World Cup broadcast rights in India, leaving the tournament’s telecast in the country uncertain just weeks before kickoff.

According to a Reuters report, Sony Group Corporation also explored a deal but chose not to submit a bid, citing the high valuation of the rights. The deadlock means millions of football fans in India could miss out on watching the FIFA World Cup 2026, which begins on June 11, unless a last-minute agreement is reached.

China, another key market, remains undecided. FIFA noted that China accounted for nearly 49.8% of global digital and social media viewing hours during the 2022 World Cup.

FIFA said it has already secured broadcast deals across more than 175 territories, but negotiations in India and China are still ongoing. “Discussions… must remain confidential at this stage,” it told Reuters.

Neither the Reliance-Disney venture—backed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani—nor Sony responded to requests for comment.

The absence of deals in two of the world’s biggest media markets is unusual this close to the tournament. In previous editions, including 2018 and 2022, China’s state broadcaster China Central Television had secured rights well in advance and rolled out extensive promotions.

In terms of reach, China accounted for 17.7% and India 2.9% of global linear TV viewership in 2022. Combined, the two markets contributed 22.6% of global digital streaming audiences.

FIFA had initially sought around $100 million for India rights covering the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. While expectations were later lowered, the governing body is still holding out for a figure far higher than the $20 million offer on the table. For context, Reliance had paid about $60 million for the 2022 tournament rights.

Industry insiders say the Reliance-Disney JV is banking on muted viewership, as the 2026 World Cup—hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—will air mostly past midnight in India.

With less than five weeks to go, the clock is ticking not just for a deal, but also for setting up broadcast operations and selling advertising inventory in one of the world’s fastest-growing media markets.