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Malaysian football fans can rejoice as the broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been resolved
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has confirmed that broadcasting rights for the global tournament will be shared between Unifi TV and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
While the official details of the agreement are currently being finalised, sources indicate that negotiations between the relevant parties and FIFA were protracted, lasting several months, according to Business Today.
The primary obstacle was the significantly higher fees imposed by FIFA for this edition of the tournament. Industry insiders have suggested that the broadcast fees are in the region of RM100 million, with some reports noting that the actual costs may have been even higher.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be the largest in history due to its expanded format
With the final scheduled to take place in the US, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously highlighted that the tournament could become the largest live broadcast spectacle ever witnessed, driven by intense ticket demand and the anticipation of near-capacity stadiums.
The confirmation of the broadcast rights is expected to provide a timely uplift for the local economy
Businesses in the food and beverage and hospitality sectors are anticipating increased patronage during the tournament.
Eateries — particularly the ubiquitous mamak outlets, which are traditional hubs for late-night and early-morning football screenings — as well as hotels and restaurants, are likely to see a significant surge in activity.
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