Three Bangladeshi TV channels secure FIFA World Cup broadcast rights

Millions of football fans in Bangladesh can finally breathe a sigh of relief as uncertainty surrounding the broadcast of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end. Just days before the tournament kicks off, three local television channels have secured the official broadcasting rights, ensuring nationwide access to football’s biggest spectacle.

Under the agreement, all World Cup matches will be aired live on leading private news broadcaster Somoy Television. Fans will also be able to watch the tournament on state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) and sports-focused channel T Sports.

The broadcasting rights were acquired through a consortium formed by the three channels, which negotiated directly with FIFA for the tournament rights.

Earlier, Singapore-based company Springbok Private Limited had purchased the World Cup broadcasting rights for Bangladesh. However, after failing to secure a local sublicensing agreement, the company reportedly withdrew from the deal, leaving the country without a confirmed broadcaster less than two weeks before the tournament.

Sources said the deadlock was resolved through coordinated efforts by State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeaser Khan Chowdhury and Bangladesh Football Federation President Tabith Awal. They reportedly engaged with television networks, national media outlets, telecom operators and several OTT platforms to facilitate a solution.

Officials involved in the process also explored new digital and telecommunications-based revenue streams that had not been utilized during previous World Cups, helping make the deal financially viable.

Notably, BTV will not bear any financial burden for the broadcasts. The entire cost of acquiring and airing the tournament will be jointly covered by satellite television partners and telecom operators.