Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Infantino Praises Zee for Boosting Football in India
FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a special message to Zee Entertainment, thanking them for helping to make football more popular in India.
He said that Zee's broadcasting of many FIFA tournaments, like the Women’s World Cup and Youth World Cups, is very important.
Infantino also mentioned that India has a big love for football and a lot of potential to grow even more.
He remembered visiting India for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, where over 1.3 million fans attended matches, setting a record.
He also talked about meeting Indian football star Sunil Chhetri and how Indian fans supported teams like Argentina and Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.
Infantino praised Zee for organizing public screenings in places like cinemas and restaurants, which brings fans together and helps spread the love for football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino thanked Zee Entertainment for boosting football's growth in India.
Zee will broadcast 39 FIFA tournaments, including the Women’s World Cup 2027 and Youth World Cups.
Infantino highlighted India's deep love for football and its potential for future growth.
Over 1.3 million fans attended the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, setting a tournament attendance record.
Zee organized public screenings at cinemas, pubs, restaurants, airports, and hotels to bring fans together.
- Who
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Zee Entertainment
- What
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino thanked Zee Entertainment for boosting football's growth in India.
- When
- Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final
- Where
- India
- Why
- To acknowledge Zee's efforts in growing football's popularity and ensuring the sport remains in the spotlight throughout the year.
FIFA's Perspective
Zee's Perspective
Partnership Impact
FIFA's Perspective
FIFA sees the partnership with Zee as crucial for growing football's popularity in India.
Zee's Perspective
Zee views the partnership as an opportunity to expand its reach and engage with football fans.
Football's Growth
FIFA's Perspective
FIFA believes India has a deep love for football and significant potential for future growth.
Zee's Perspective
Zee aims to capitalize on this potential by broadcasting multiple FIFA tournaments and organizing public screenings.
- FIFA President
- Gianni Infantino
- Broadcast Partnership
- 39 FIFA tournaments to be broadcast in India
- Notable Tournaments
- FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, FIFA Youth World Cups, Futsal competitions, FIFA Intercontinental Cup
- FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017
- More than 1.3 million fans attended matches
- Indian Football Icon
- Sunil Chhetri
- Indian Supporters at FIFA World Cup 2026
- Thousands of Indian supporters attended matches
- Public Screenings
- Organized at cinemas, pubs, restaurants, airports, and hotels