TLDR
- RTM and Unifi TV will be the official broadcasters of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Malaysia, with Unifi TV airing all 104 matches live.
- The government will organise public viewing events at selected locations to encourage unity and engagement among football fans.
- Astro has confirmed it was unsuccessful in securing the broadcast rights but is currently in discussions to air matches on its platforms, including Astro, NJOI, and Sooka.
Great news for Malaysian football fans!
You will soon be able to watch live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on RTM and Unifi TV.
Image Credit: BBC
According to Malaysia’s Minister of Communications, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, the prestigious tournament, which will begin this June, will be aired across multiple platforms, including free-to-air via MyTV, as well as RTM, Klik, and Unifi TV.
He added that Unifi TV will broadcast all 104 matches live. Meanwhile, RTM will air the majority of matches either live or on a delayed basis.
“The government is committed to ensuring all Malaysians can enjoy the 2026 FIFA World Cup in an inclusive, legitimate, and comprehensive manner."
"I am pleased to announce that RTM and Unifi TV have been selected as the official broadcasters for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Malaysia,” he said, as reported by NST.
Public viewing events will also be organised
Image Credit: Utusan Malaysia
Besides watching from home, Fahmi also announced that the government will organise public viewing events at selected locations to boost fan engagement.
“The government hopes the 2026 FIFA World Cup will unite Malaysians through the spirit of sport and national togetherness.”
It is understood that several key sponsors for the initiative have been identified and are being finalised. For now, stay tuned for more updates.
For context, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from 11 June to 19 July, 2026. The tournament will be jointly hosted by 16 cities, 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
This edition will make history as the first FIFA World Cup hosted by three nations. It will also be the first tournament to feature 48 teams, up from the usual 32.
Astro responds to World Cup broadcast decision
In a statement, Astro said it remains committed to delivering value to its customers and noted that it has broadcast the FIFA World Cup for the past two decades.
The broadcaster highlighted that the landscape for premium sports content has changed significantly in recent years, with rising costs driven by inflation and increasingly expensive international broadcasting rights.
It also pointed to piracy, particularly during the 2018 and 2022 international tournaments in Malaysia, as a factor that has eroded the value of such rights.
Image Credit: Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad
Astro added that match timings and limited lead time for commercial campaigns had further reduced the overall value of the tournament from a business perspective.
While expressing disappointment that its bid was unsuccessful, Astro said it welcomed the continued accessibility of the World Cup for Malaysian fans and wished the new broadcasters well.
The company also revealed that it is in discussions with rights holders to explore the possibility of carrying World Cup matches on its platforms, including Astro, NJOI, and Sooka, which could further expand access to viewers.
Featured Image Credit: NBC, The Star
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