Millions of football fans in China and India face uncertainty over whether they will be able to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as broadcasting rights deals between FIFA and local broadcasters in both countries remain unsigned just weeks before the tournament begins. In China, FIFA's asking price for state broadcaster CCTV (China Central Television) has reportedly been reduced from an initial $300 million to between $120 million and $150 million, but that figure still exceeds double CCTV's reported budget for the event; complicating factors include China's failure to qualify for the tournament and the significant time-zone difference with North America, where matches will be hosted. FIFA confirmed to the BBC that negotiations in both countries "are ongoing," adding that 180 territories have already completed deals, though the absence of agreements covering roughly a third of the world's population represents an unusual situation this close to a tournament of such scale.