Key facts
- Brazil will play Morocco in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on June 14 in New Jersey.
- Neymar will miss Brazil's opening match against Morocco due to a calf injury.
- A forecasting model suggests Brazil could face a World Cup upset.
- Zee Entertainment is the official broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India.
- Zee5 is the primary app for streaming matches in India.
- DD Sports will broadcast select matches for free in India.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has commenced, featuring 48 teams across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Brazil is scheduled to play Morocco in their opening Group C match on June 14 in New Jersey. Brazil's manager, Carlo Ancelotti, will be without star player Neymar, who is sidelined with a calf injury. Despite being favorites to advance, a forecasting model suggests Brazil could face a significant upset in their opening game.
For viewers in India, Zee Entertainment has secured the broadcasting rights for the tournament. All matches will be available on Zee's four dedicated sports channels: Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD. The Zee5 streaming app will offer live match coverage for subscribers, with options for three-month or annual plans. Additionally, DD Sports will broadcast select matches, including the opening game, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, free of charge for viewers with DD Free Dish.
Internationally, numerous countries are providing free-to-air coverage through public broadcasters and digital platforms, with options available in the UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Turkey. The 2026 World Cup is historic for being the first hosted by three countries, featuring an expanded 48-team format with a record 104 matches across 16 host cities.