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Football fans in India have received good news ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, as DD Sports is set to broadcast select matches of the tournament on free-to-air television.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11 and runs until July 19. It will be the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches.
DD Sports to Telecast Key FIFA World Cup Matches
According to reports, DD Sports will broadcast a limited number of high-profile FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, giving millions of Indian viewers access to the tournament without requiring a paid subscription. The broadcaster is expected to show:
• Opening Match
• Quarter-finals
• Semi-finals
• Third-Place Playoff
• Final
The move is expected to significantly expand the tournament’s reach among football fans across India.
Where to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in India
Apart from DD Sports, Indian viewers will be able to watch the entire FIFA World Cup 2026 through Zee’s broadcasting network after the company secured FIFA media rights in India through 2034. Matches will be available on television and digital platforms.
Fans can also stream matches online through Zee5, which holds digital streaming rights for the tournament in India.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule
The tournament begins on June 11 with the opening match in Mexico and concludes with the final on July 19 in the United States.
Key stages include:
• Group Stage: June 11–27
• Round of 32: June 28–July 3
• Round of 16: July 4–7
• Quarter-finals: July 9–11
• Semi-finals: July 14–15
• Third-Place Match: July 18
• Final: July 19
Biggest World Cup Ever
The 2026 edition marks a historic expansion from 32 to 48 teams, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104.
Traditional football powerhouses such as Brazil, Argentina, France, England, Spain, Germany, and Portugal are among the favorites, while several emerging nations will look to make their mark on the global stage.
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Boost for Indian Football Fans
The availability of select matches on DD Sports is expected to benefit millions of viewers, particularly those using DD Free Dish and other free-to-air platforms.
With the opening match, knockout rounds, and the final available on free television, football enthusiasts across the country will have the opportunity to watch some of the tournament’s biggest moments without additional costs.
As the countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026 begins, fans can now look forward to enjoying the world’s biggest football tournament through both free-to-air and digital platforms across India.
