JustUpdateOnline.com – JAKARTA, Indonesia’s public broadcasting institution, TVRI, has officially secured the broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This agreement ensures that football fans throughout the country will be able to watch the entire tournament, which is set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, through free-to-air (FTA) services.
The broadcaster is prepared to air all 104 matches of the competition, spanning from the opening group stages to the grand final. The tournament is scheduled to take place over 39 days, beginning on June 11 and concluding on July 19, 2026. Fans can catch the action on TVRI Nasional and TVRI Sport, with coverage including live broadcasts, delayed airings, and match highlights.
Given the time zone differences, the matches are expected to be televised between 11:00 PM and 11:00 AM Western Indonesia Time (WIB). The acquisition of these rights was confirmed by TVRI’s President Director, Iman Brotoseno, during a press briefing on Monday. He noted that the achievement was made possible through significant support from the Indonesian government, aiming to provide inclusive access to one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.
According to Brotoseno, the initiative aligns with presidential directives to ensure that the joy of the World Cup reaches every segment of the Indonesian population. He emphasized that the process of obtaining the rights from FIFA was highly competitive and involved a rigorous selection process against other interested parties.
A key focus for this broadcast cycle is ensuring that the signal reaches the most remote, frontline, and disadvantaged areas of the country, often referred to as the 3T regions. While the terrestrial broadcast via standard antennas will be free for the public, access through digital streaming or over-the-top (OTT) platforms will be subject to the policies of third-party operators.
In addition to television coverage, the government plans to facilitate community viewing events, known locally as "nonton bareng" or nobar. These public screenings are intended to stimulate local economies by involving micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). By integrating local businesses into the tournament festivities, the government hopes to foster a sense of national unity while providing a boost to regional commerce.
Football remains a cornerstone of Indonesian culture, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup is expected to draw massive viewership as it brings the nation together in celebration of the sport.