Thailand's 2026 World Cup Broadcasting Rights Expected to Cost Up to 1.5 Billion Baht as China and India Remain Undecided
Thailand faces a 1.5 billion baht price tag to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with no broadcaster secured yet despite government efforts to attract private sector partnerships.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico approaches in just over a month—scheduled for June 11 to July 19—Thailand remains without a broadcaster for the tournament. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister previously stated that while the government cannot purchase broadcasting rights independently, they would work to secure private sector partnerships and support. However, acknowledging the current economic challenges facing the private sector, they have shown understanding of their constraints. Thailand's broadcasting rights are estimated to cost approximately 1.5 billion baht. International news agencies report that even China and India—the world's two most populous nations—have not yet acquired broadcasting rights. FIFA reportedly seeks 3.2 billion baht from India for rights to both the 2026 and 2030 tournaments, but India has countered with an offer of only 640 million baht for this edition alone.
