The 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States will take place between June 11 and July 19. Even though there are only 56 days left, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that there is still no official broadcaster for the football tournament that takes place every four years.
He also confirmed that the cabinet has not yet discussed the issue of broadcasting the 2026 World Cup. The absence of an official broadcaster means that local football fans will not be able to follow it live.
Previously, a report emerged that FIFA was asking for around RM200 million for the broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup. The price was too high when local broadcasting companies were suffering losses because advertising money was now being collected entirely by online platforms. Astro, which has been the official broadcaster, did not buy the broadcasting rights because its income was decreasing due to the popularity of streaming compared to paid satellite TV.
What are the alternatives if it is true that Malaysia does not have an official broadcaster? Among football fans, more and more people are openly discussing “alternative platforms” whose safety and legality are questionable. Many don't want to miss seeing Ronaldo and Messi play for the last time in the greatest football tournament before retiring.
