FIFA President Gianni Infantino thanked Zee TV for promoting football across India on the eve of the 2026 World Cup final [1].
The recognition highlights FIFA's strategic interest in the Indian market, where the organization hopes to cultivate a sustainable, year-round football culture in a region traditionally dominated by cricket.
Infantino said he wanted to thank Zee TV for promoting football across India and helping make the sport a year-round experience [1]. He said the partnership between the broadcaster and FIFA has brought the beautiful game to millions of Indian households [2].
Zee TV's efforts include extensive coverage and community screenings across the country to increase engagement with the sport [1]. According to reports, the network covers 39 FIFA competitions [2]. This broad exposure is intended to build momentum as the tournament reaches its conclusion.
The current 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a significant expansion for the sport, featuring a record 104 matches [3]. Infantino's comments suggest that the organization views the Indian audience as a critical growth vector for the game's global reach.
By utilizing community events and widespread broadcasting, Zee TV has shifted the perception of football from a periodic event to a consistent presence in Indian media. Infantino said the network's role has been vital in fostering the nation's love for the sport [1].
“"I would like to thank Zee TV for promoting football across India and helping make the sport a year‑round experience."”
FIFA is aggressively targeting India to diversify its global fan base. By partnering with major regional broadcasters like Zee TV, the organization is attempting to move football beyond a niche interest in India, leveraging the massive scale of the 2026 World Cup to establish a permanent sporting foothold in the country.
