BANGKOK, Thailand – Bangladesh Television (BTV) has acquired the broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup directly from FIFA for 727.1 million taka (approximately 193 million baht), securing coverage of all 104 matches from the opening game through to the final. The purchase was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP), allowing BTV to negotiate directly with FIFA rather than through an intermediary. The deal represents a significant saving for the state broadcaster. By purchasing the rights directly from FIFA, BTV is expected to save nearly 250 million taka compared with previous arrangements.
For the 2022 FIFA World Cup, BTV paid around 980 million taka after acquiring the broadcasting rights through construction firm Toma Construction. Despite the expansion of the tournament from 64 matches in 2022 to 104 matches in 2026, the broadcaster has secured the rights at a lower cost this time. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the largest edition of the tournament in history, featuring 48 national teams.
