The Malaysian government has stepped in to support a broadcast rights agreement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with state-owned free-to-air broadcaster RTM and IPTV service Unifi TV securing the domestic rights. The government has allocated RM24 million ($6.1 million) to fund the deal.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that the tournament will be available across multiple platforms, including free-to-air via MyTV, as well as RTM Klik and Unifi TV, to ensure nationwide coverage. Unifi TV, operated by Telekom Malaysia-owned Unifi, will broadcast all 104 matches live, while public broadcaster RTM will air the majority of games 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,” Fahmi stated during a post-cabinet briefing. “To achieve this, the government has decided to collaborate with the private sector to ensure high-quality broadcasting and broad reach.”
This agreement represents a major shift in Malaysia’s pay-TV landscape, as Unifi TV replaces Astro, the country’s long-time World Cup broadcaster. Astro had held rights for the 2018 and 2022 editions and had aired the tournament for two decades. The company confirmed that it was outbid this cycle and expressed disappointment in a statement, saying it submitted a “fair and competitive bid” that was not accepted. Astro cited rising broadcast costs and piracy as key reasons for not increasing its offer, arguing that the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were “extensively pirated” in Malaysia, which eroded the commercial value of legitimate rights. Additionally, challenging match timings and a tight planning window further weakened its business case.
Minister Fahmi also addressed piracy concerns, warning that anti-piracy enforcement would be strengthened around tournament content.
Astro has not completely stepped away, confirming that it is in discussions with rights holders to carry select matches via its NJOI free-to-air service and Sooka streaming app.
The deal is part of a recent trend of late FIFA rights agreements, following similar arrangements with Television Jamaica, Vietnam Television, and South Africa’s SportyTV.
