The FIFA World Cup 2026 has landed in the Delhi High Court, not over a disputed goal or a scheduling controversy, but over whether Indian viewers will be able to watch the tournament at all.
A writ petition filed before the Delhi High Court by advocate Avdhesh Bairwa has sought urgent directions to the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Prasar Bharati to acquire the broadcasting rights for FIFA World Cup 2026 and ensure free-to-air access to key matches in India.
The petition argues that the absence of an Indian broadcaster for the tournament, scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026, risks depriving millions of Indians of access to what it calls a “sporting event of national importance.”
According to the filing, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had, through a notification dated May 9, 2022, classified several FIFA World Cup matches as events of national importance under the Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Act, 2007. These include the opening match, four quarterfinals, two semifinals and the final.
The petition contends that these matches are therefore required to be made available on a free-to-air basis through Prasar Bharati.
The filing states that, as of the date of the petition, no broadcaster in India had secured the media rights for FIFA World Cup 2026, making India one of the few major markets globally without a broadcast partner for the tournament.
The petition references industry reports stating that FIFA initially valued the combined Indian broadcasting rights for the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups at around USD 100 million in 2025. However, due to lack of bidder interest, the valuation was later revised downward to approximately USD 35 million. The filing further cites reports claiming that JioStar submitted a bid of USD 20 million, which FIFA allegedly rejected.
The petitioner has argued that the lack of broadcast access would amount to a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution of India. The plea specifically invokes the right to receive information and entertainment through television broadcasts.
“The viewing sports events of national importance has been protected doctrinally as part of the fundamental rights to receive information and entertainment,” the petition states.
The filing also places heavy emphasis on FIFA World Cup viewership trends in India. It notes that India generated 745.7 million interactions during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, making it the second-largest engagement market globally after China. The petition further claims FIFA expects nearly six billion global engagements across platforms for the 2026 edition, potentially making it the most-watched sporting event in media history.
The petition argues that concerns around unfavourable North American time zones may be overstated, pointing to strong Indian viewership for previous editions, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil despite late-night match timings.
The plea additionally highlights Doordarshan’s past experience in broadcasting major FIFA tournaments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 through a sublicensing arrangement.
Calling the matter urgent, the petitioner has sought interim directions before the tournament begins on June 11, 2026, warning that any delay could irreparably deprive Indian viewers of access from the opening day itself.
The matter has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution before the Delhi High Court.
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