Home / Sports / 48 Teams, Early Mornings: Your FIFA World Cup 2026 Guide
48 Teams, Early Mornings: Your FIFA World Cup 2026 Guide
14 May
Summary
- The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins June 11 and concludes July 19.
- This tournament will feature a record 48 teams.
- Indian viewers can watch matches at 12:30 AM, 1:30 AM, and 10:30 PM IST.
The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to commence on June 11 and conclude on July 19, offering fans an extended month-long spectacle. This year's tournament is particularly noteworthy as it will host a record 48 competing teams for the first time in its history. The United States, Mexico, and Canada are co-hosting this global event.
For fans in India, the match timings necessitate early mornings or late nights, with games scheduled to begin at 12:30 AM IST. Other broadcast times include 1:30 AM IST, 3:30 AM IST, 4:30 AM IST, 6:30 AM IST, and 7:30 AM IST. A few select matches will be available at a more convenient 10:30 PM IST slot, offering a slightly earlier viewing option.
Broadcasting rights in India are still under discussion, with Doordarshan (DD Sports) and JioHotstar reportedly in contention. The Delhi High Court has been involved, seeking the government's stance on a petition for broadcasting the tournament. Fans are hopeful for a resolution to ensure coverage of this exciting event.
