Indian Fans Can Watch Select 2026 World Cup Matches for Free on DD Sports
Published June 12, 2026
Football enthusiasts in India can catch key 2026 FIFA World Cup matches without a subscription, as national broadcaster DD Sports is set to air a selection of games, including the opening fixture and all knockout rounds from the quarterfinals.
Published — local time around the world
As the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway across North America, excitement is building globally, including among the passionate football fanbase in India. With 104 matches scheduled to be played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, many fans are keen to know how they can follow the action, especially without incurring subscription costs.
While ZEE Entertainment holds the exclusive broadcast rights for the tournament in India, offering comprehensive coverage to its ZEE5 subscribers, a significant portion of the audience will have access to crucial games through a free-to-air option. National broadcaster DD Sports has confirmed it will provide live coverage of select matches, accessible via DD Free Dish.
This arrangement means that Indian viewers can tune in for the tournament's opening match, which reportedly saw co-host Mexico secure a 2-1 victory over South Africa. More importantly for fans, DD Sports will also broadcast every fixture from the quarterfinals onwards, ensuring free access to the most high-stakes encounters of the competition, including the semi-finals and the final.