Kuala Lumpur 23 April 2026 (The Capital Post) – Telekom Malaysia (TM) could play a crucial role in helping Malaysia secure broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as discussions intensify over how to ensure wider public access to the global football tournament.
Industry observers noted that acquiring the rights for the World Cup has become increasingly challenging due to rising costs and competitive bidding among broadcasters worldwide. The 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to attract significant global viewership, further driving up the value of media rights.
In Malaysia, concerns have been raised over whether local broadcasters can afford the high costs involved in securing the rights independently. TM, with its financial capacity and experience in media and telecommunications, is viewed as a potential partner that could help bridge the funding gap.
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Analysts suggest that collaboration between TM and existing broadcasters could enable a shared rights model, ensuring that matches remain accessible to a broad audience, including through free-to-air platforms. Such partnerships have previously been used in other markets to manage the rising costs of major sporting events.
The move is also seen as important in maintaining public access to major international tournaments, as football remains one of the most widely followed sports in Malaysia.
With negotiations ongoing, stakeholders are expected to explore various funding and distribution models to secure the rights while balancing commercial viability and public interest.-The Capital Post