Goa, June 1 -- With just days remaining before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Zee Entertainment has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast the tournament in India, bringing an end to months of uncertainty over coverage in one of football's largest markets.

The company announced on Monday that it had acquired rights not only for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but also for 38 additional FIFA competitions scheduled through 2034. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

The deal comes after prolonged negotiations between FIFA and potential broadcasters. Earlier reports suggested that football's governing body had initially sought around $100 million for the Indian rights package covering the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. Howeve...