Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has officially confirmed that RTM and Unifi TV will serve as the official broadcasters for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Malaysia. The agreement follows several months of protracted negotiations with FIFA, primarily due to significantly higher broadcast fees for this expanded edition. Reports suggest the fees were in the region of RM100 million, reflecting the massive scale of the tournament to be co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
The announcement has brought immense relief to football fans across the country, as broadcast rights for many other Asian nations remain unconfirmed, with just over a month until kick-off. RTM will provide live coverage of key matches, ensuring that the "world's greatest show" remains accessible to the general public. This move is seen as a major win for sports accessibility, given the challenging time zones and high costs associated with international football broadcasting.
In addition to the World Cup news, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) has confirmed that seven clubs successfully met the licensing deadline for the 2026/2027 cycle. Elite teams like JDT, Selangor, and Terengganu have finalized their documentation, while several others have been granted an extension until May 14. This administrative progress is vital for ensuring the stability and professional growth of the domestic league in the coming years.