FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly lauded Zee TV for its significant role in cultivating football enthusiasm across India. In a video message released on the eve of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, Infantino underscored the depth of the partnership, which now covers an impressive 39 FIFA competitions, including the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, various youth World Cups, futsal tournaments, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
This extensive collaboration, Infantino noted, transforms football’s presence in India from an intermittent event into a continuous narrative. He highlighted India’s inherent passion for the sport and its vast market potential, a sentiment reinforced by his personal experiences. Infantino recalled the record-breaking attendance of over 1.3 million fans during the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, and the subsequent FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup five years later, both hosted in India. His 2020 visit for an IOC meeting also saw him honor Sunil Chhetri, India’s most capped and highest-scoring international footballer.
The strategic impact of Zee TV’s initiatives extends beyond traditional broadcast. By authorizing screenings in public venues such as cinemas, pubs, restaurants, airports, and hotels, Zee TV has actively fostered communal match-night experiences nationwide. This approach, Infantino praised, does immense good for the game, democratizing access and amplifying the collective excitement around football.
India’s growing connection to global football was also evident during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Players of Indian heritage represented national teams including New Zealand, Australia, Qatar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while thousands of Indian supporters were among the 6.5 million fans attending matches across 16 host cities, often adopting teams like Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, or England.
Infantino concluded his message by reiterating his gratitude for Zee TV’s efforts in boosting the sport in India and expressed his keen anticipation for the day when India itself will host a FIFA World Cup. This acknowledgement from the highest echelons of global football not only validates Zee TV’s strategic investment but also signals a promising future for the sport’s growth and commercial viability in one of the world’s largest markets.
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