Next month, the world's most popular sports tournament will return, but Malaysians had to wait a very long time to see which local platform would be the official broadcaster. The air is cleared now, as Astro Malaysia officially confirmed that it will no longer be the primary broadcaster for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The move ends Astro’s uninterrupted 20-year run as the tournament’s home in Malaysia.
Instead, the official broadcasting rights for the tournament have been awarded to Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Unifi TV, marking one of the biggest shifts in Malaysian sports broadcasting in recent years. It was confirmed and announced by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil just yesterday (6 May 2026).
RTM and Unifi TV to Deliver Nationwide Coverage
According to the Communications Minister, the tournament will be made available across multiple platforms to ensure broader accessibility for Malaysians. This includes free-to-air broadcasts via MyTV, streaming through RTM Klik, and full coverage on Unifi TV.
Unifi TV is expected to air all 104 matches live, while RTM will broadcast the majority of matches either live or on delayed telecast. This gives football fans more viewing options compared to previous tournaments, especially for those without paid satellite subscriptions.
In addition to that, the government also confirmed plans to organise public viewing events at selected locations nationwide to further boost engagement during the tournament.
Astro Still Exploring Partnership Opportunities
Although Astro lost the primary rights bid, the company revealed that discussions are ongoing with the new rights holders to potentially carry selected matches on Astro, NJOI, and Sooka. Astro stated that its “fair and competitive bid” was ultimately unsuccessful, pointing to changing market conditions such as rising international sports rights costs, piracy issues, and reduced commercial value for live sports broadcasting. The company also highlighted that the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were among the most heavily pirated sporting events in Malaysia, significantly impacting the value of exclusive rights.
Government Allocates RM24 Million for Broadcast Rights
Fahmi said the Malaysian government has approved RM24 million to secure the rights, with additional sponsorship support currently being finalised. Authorities also stressed that anti-piracy enforcement will be strengthened during the tournament, reflecting growing concerns over illegal streaming activities in Malaysia.
A New Era for Sports Broadcasting in Malaysia
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will also be the largest edition in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. Rather than relying solely on traditional pay-TV providers, Malaysian football fans and viewers will now rely on broadcasters moving toward hybrid models that combine free-to-air access with OTT streaming platforms. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.
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