Messi, Ronaldo & 48 Nations: Maharaja Media Network To Deliver 104 Matches to Millions

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sports fans across Sri Lanka are set to be immersed in the magic of the FIFA World Cup 2026, as a major announcement confirmed that the global football spectacle will be brought directly to homes across the island.

The licensed broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been secured by the Maharaja Media Network.

This means that millions of Sri Lankans will experience one of the largest sporting events in history, at home. The announcement was made at a high-profile media briefing held at the headquarters of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, attended by top officials from the media, telecommunications, and football sectors.

As anticipation builds for the expanded tournament featuring 48 nations for the first time, Group Director of the Capital Maharaja Group, Chevaan Daniel, highlighted the deeper meaning behind bringing the World Cup to Sri Lankan audiences.

“This is a world event. It is an international event. And to connect Sri Lanka to the world is an enormously important responsibility,” he said, emphasizing that broadcasting such a global spectacle is not only about entertainment but also about inspiring future generations and showcasing Sri Lanka to the world.

Chevaan Daniel noted that making the tournament accessible free of charge across all regions and social groups would help bridge gaps and unite audiences nationwide. He stressed that Sri Lanka’s rich culture, history, music, sports, and natural beauty are powerful assets that can be shared globally through such platforms.

“In a time when the world is divided by wars and political polarization, sport has the power to bring people together. This World Cup can be a source of inspiration for Sri Lanka as well,” he added.

The scale of Sri Lanka’s World Cup coverage is set to match the grandeur of the tournament itself. MTV Chief Executive Officer Yasarath Kamalsiri confirmed that the network plans to broadcast 104 matches from June 12 to July 20, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all stages of the competition.

“With matches taking place across the American continent, many games will be played during early morning hours in Sri Lanka. On some days, there will be up to six matches, including simultaneous fixtures. However, with three dedicated channels, TV1, Sirasa TV, and Shakthi TV, we have the capacity to bring every key moment to our viewers,” he said.

The excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup is expected to trigger a massive surge in football viewership across Sri Lanka. President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, Jaswar Umar, pointed out the game’s already strong footprint in the country.

“With over 4,000 clubs, around 100,000 players, and more than 2 million daily viewers, football is already deeply rooted in Sri Lanka. This World Cup could take that number to 4 million, as fans eagerly wait to watch global icons like Messi and Ronaldo, possibly in their final World Cup appearances,” he said.

Umar added that the global reach of the tournament, expected to draw billions of viewers worldwide, combined with Sri Lanka’s passionate fan base, would make this edition one of the most widely followed in the country’s history.

The collaboration between SLT-Mobitel PEO TV and the Maharaja Media Network has been instrumental in ensuring that the World Cup reaches every corner of the island.

PEO TV CEO Ruchira Weerakoon described the partnership as a national responsibility aimed at making the event accessible to all Sri Lankans.

“This is a special moment because it allows us to bring the World Cup to viewers free of charge through Sirasa TV, TV1, and Shakthi TV. This will not only expand access but also contribute to the growth of football in Sri Lanka,” he said.

Adding to the anticipation, Roshan Watavala, General Manager of MBC and News 1st Sales, said the network is investing in modern, high-end broadcast technology to enhance the viewing experience.

Set to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest ever held, both in scale and reach.

For Sri Lanka, this is more than just a tournament, it is a moment of connection, inspiration, and unity, as millions prepare to come together to witness football’s greatest stage unfold.