Millions of football fans in India and China face uncertainty over watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with broadcast deals yet to be finalised weeks before kick-off.
The delay is unusual for a tournament of this size as Broadcast rights are usually agreed months, if not years, ahead to guarantee global coverage.
Local media in both countries report that talks between FIFA and potential broadcasters are ongoing and that the main sticking point is the cost of the rights.
FIFA told the BBC that discussions are continuing but declined to share financial details.
So far, FIFA has confirmed agreements in around 180 territories.
India and China remain the most crucial gaps, together accounting for about a third of the world’s population.
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In China, FIFA is reported to have cut its initial asking price from $300 million to between $120 million and $150 million for state broadcaster CCTV.
Even the lower figure is more than double CCTV’s allocated budget, according to state media.
With China’s national team not qualifying, domestic interest is expected to be weaker, and the time difference with the host nations means many matches will air in the early hours.
Typically, deals are sealed way earlier as agreements for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were signed back in 2017.
In India, reports suggest talks are progressing and a deal could be close.
But until contracts are signed, fans remain unsure about access to live coverage.
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