ZEE5 and Budweiser roll out India‑wide FIFA World Cup 2026 fan campaigns

ZEE5 and Unite8 Sports have launched “Poora India Watchega”, a nationwide marketing drive to promote the FIFA World Cup 2026 across India. The campaign, developed by Talented and mktgstack, features a high‑energy brand film directed by Atul Kattukara and will be streamed on more than 200 websites, Connected TVs, food‑delivery and sports apps, and digital sports communities. The tournament will be broadcast in Hindi, English, Bangla and Malayalam on ZEE5 and the newly created Unite8 Sports channels, with ZEE also securing media rights for FIFA events through 2034.

Budweiser 0.0, celebrating 40 years of partnership with FIFA, has unveiled a series of fan‑experience activations, beginning with an interactive Lionel Messi mural in Mumbai on the opening day of the tournament. The brand’s “Let It Pour” platform includes memorabilia displays, storytelling installations and match‑screening events in key Indian markets, aiming to create community‑driven viewing spots.

Survey data show strong Indian interest: about 59 % of respondents say they will watch the World Cup, and 68 % back Argentina, making India the tournament’s most enthusiastic overseas market for the defending champions. Both campaigns seek to turn the World Cup into a shared cultural moment beyond the country’s traditional cricket focus.