DD Sports telecast the opening match, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final only on DD Free Dish. Zee Entertainment secured the rights to broadcast the World Cup in India.
New Delhi, June 11: After years of anticipation, preparations and growing excitement across continents, the FIFA World Cup 2026 got underway, ushering in a new era for the world’s biggest sporting spectacle. For the first time in history, the tournament is being jointly hosted by three nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — while also featuring an expanded field of 48 teams and a record 104 matches.
As the football world turned its attention to North America, Mexico found itself at the heart of the opening celebrations. The iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, already etched in football folklore as the venue where legends such as Pelé and Diego Maradona lifted the World Cup trophy, took centre stage when hosts Mexico faced South Africa in the tournament’s opening match. The fixture carried a touch of nostalgia, with the two nations having met in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.
The day’s action then moved to Guadalajara, where Asian powerhouse Korea Republic took on Czechia, who arrived at the tournament riding high after successfully navigating the UEFA play-offs. Together, the two matches officially launched what promises to be the largest and most ambitious World Cup ever staged.
The tournament represents a landmark moment in FIFA’s history. Expanding from 32 to 48 teams, the competition has opened the door for several nations to make their maiden appearances on football’s grandest stage. Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan are all participating in their first-ever World Cup, while countries such as Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have returned after a 52-year absence. Iraq is making its first appearance since 1986, while Austria, Scotland and Norway have returned after missing every edition since 1998. Turkey, meanwhile, is back for the first time since its memorable third-place finish in 2002.
The expanded format has generated both excitement and debate. Supporters have welcomed the greater global representation and opportunities for emerging football nations, while critics argue that the larger field may reduce the intensity of some early-stage encounters. Nevertheless, FIFA believes the format will make the sport more inclusive and help accelerate football’s growth in new markets around the world.Away from the pitch, the tournament has also been surrounded by discussion over ticket prices, logistics and politics. FIFA faced criticism after maintaining premium ticket pricing throughout much of the sales period, although more affordable options were recently released and promotional giveaways increased through commercial partners.
Political developments in the United States have also attracted attention. FIFA President Gianni Infantino maintained a close relationship with US President Donald Trump in the lead-up to the tournament, with cooperation between the governing body and American authorities playing a significant role in preparations. However, travel and visa-related concerns emerged in the final days before kickoff, creating challenges for some participants and visitors.
Back in India, anticipation for the tournament reached fever pitch among football fans, many of whom had been eagerly awaiting confirmation of broadcasting arrangements. Uncertainty lingered for months before Zee Entertainment secured the rights to broadcast the World Cup in the country, ending speculation over where viewers would be able to watch the action.The agreement significantly strengthens Zee’s football portfolio, with the network also acquiring rights to dozens of additional FIFA competitions through 2034. To support its expanded sports coverage, the broadcaster launched four dedicated sports channels — Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD.Fans opting for digital viewing can watch the tournament through Zee5, which has introduced both short-term and annual subscription packages. Meanwhile, public broadcaster DD Sports has ensured that millions of viewers across the country will also have access to some of the tournament’s biggest moments.DD Sports telecast the opening match between Mexico and South Africa live for Indian audiences shortly after midnight on June 12.
The broadcaster will also air the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final on DD Free Dish, ensuring widespread access to the latter stages of the competition. (Agencies)
