Govt approves Tk 72cr deal to purchase FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasting rights

Bangladesh is set to broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026 after the government approved an emergency proposal to purchase all-media rights directly from the international football federation, at a total cost of Tk 72 crore 70 lakh.

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase cleared the proposal at an urgent sitting held Sunday (June 7) at the Cabinet Room of the National Parliament, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.

The proposal had earlier been placed before — and approved by — the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, completing the required two-tier clearance process.

The deal, structured as a Direct Purchase Method (DPM), bypasses competitive tendering given the sole-source nature of the rights — FIFA is the only authorised seller. The base contract value stands at USD 3.85 million, equivalent to Tk 47 crore 26 lakh 85 thousand 500. Once value-added tax and applicable levies are included, the total outlay rises to Tk 72 crore 70 lakh 692.

The rights package covers all broadcast platforms — television, digital, and online streaming — ensuring Bangladeshi fans can follow every match of the 48-team tournament across multiple channels and devices.

The timing of the approval — less than a week before the opening match — reflects the urgency of the procurement. The World Cup, co-hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins on 11 June and is expected to draw record global viewership. Bangladesh's large and passionate football following, particularly for Argentina and Brazil, has made the broadcast rights a matter of significant public interest ahead of every edition of the tournament.

With the approval now in place, state and private broadcasters are expected to move swiftly to finalise sub-licensing and transmission arrangements before the tournament's opening fixtures.