FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Cricket-Mad India Can't Look Away

FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off on 11 June with Mexico vs South Africa, around 12:30 AM IST

India is the world's second-most digitally engaged market for the tournament despite not qualifying since 1950

The football buzz lands months after India retained the T20 World Cup, beating New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad

Zee sealed a late India broadcast deal — all 104 games on Unite8 TV and ZEE5

Cricket still owns roughly 89% of Indian sports viewership, but football's share keeps climbing