Public Service Media (PSM) has announced that it will broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup free of charge across the Maldives, underscoring the national broadcaster’s commitment to ensuring broad public access to one of the world’s most widely followed sporting events. Speaking at the official launch of PSM’s World Cup coverage, Managing Director Ahmed Shakeeb said the decision was made despite the considerable costs and sacrifices involved, as football holds a special place in the hearts of the Maldivian public and remains closely connected to communities across the country.
Shakeeb noted that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to reach an estimated global audience of around six billion viewers, reflecting the exceptional scale and significance of the tournament. He said the event is expected to become one of the most watched sporting occasions in history, both internationally and within the Maldives, where football continues to enjoy strong popularity among people of all ages. Against this backdrop, PSM has positioned its coverage as a public service initiative intended to make the tournament accessible to households nationwide without financial barriers.
According to Shakeeb, this will be the first time that every match of the FIFA World Cup will be made available free of charge in the Maldives through PSM’s television platforms. All matches are set to be aired on TVM and Yes TV, allowing supporters throughout the country to follow the tournament in full. He expressed appreciation to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for the government’s support in facilitating the broadcast, noting that such backing played an important role in enabling PSM to secure and deliver full coverage of the competition for the Maldivian public.
Emphasising the broader social value of football, Shakeeb said the sport has long served as a powerful force for togetherness, friendship and national spirit in the Maldives. He reflected on football’s ability to unite people across different backgrounds and referred to the atmosphere surrounding the 2008 SAFF Championship as a notable example of how sport helped bring the nation together during a period of deep division. In this regard, he said the World Cup offers not only entertainment, but also an opportunity to strengthen social cohesion and create shared national moments through a global event that resonates strongly with local audiences.
PSM also confirmed that it is fully prepared to provide extensive coverage throughout the tournament, including live match broadcasts, news reporting and a range of related programmes designed to enrich the viewer experience. Shakeeb said the broadcaster is planning special activities and programming linked to the World Cup, with the aim of building engagement and enhancing public participation during the event. He encouraged the public to celebrate the tournament in a spirit of friendship, unity and national pride, highlighting the role of public broadcasting in creating inclusive experiences around major international occasions.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, and will feature an expanded format of 48 teams competing across 104 matches. The scale of the tournament marks a new chapter in World Cup history and is expected to generate exceptional interest worldwide. In the Maldives, PSM’s exclusive broadcasting rights mean that no other channel will air the tournament, further reinforcing the national broadcaster’s central role in connecting viewers to the global sporting stage. With comprehensive preparations now in place, PSM’s initiative is set to deliver unprecedented access to the World Cup for audiences across the Maldives while reflecting the enduring importance of football as a unifying force in national life.
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