Public Service Media (PSM)’s Managing Director Ahmed Shakeeb has said PSM decided to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup free of charge despite major sacrifices and costs as football is deeply connected to the public.
Speaking at the ceremony held to officially launch PSM’s World Cup coverage, Shakeeb said FIFA expects around six billion viewers to watch the tournament worldwide, making it a record-breaking tournament globally as well as in the Maldives.
Shakeeb noted that this is the first time all World Cup matches will be broadcast free of charge in the Maldives through PSM channels, with all matches airing on PSM’s TVM and Yes TV. He thanked President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for the government’s support in facilitating the broadcast.
Noting that PSM made significant sacrifices and worked hard to bring the tournament to viewers, Shakeeb highlighted football’s role in promoting unity and national spirit in the Maldives. He spoke on how football brought the country together in 2008 during that year’s SAFF Championship, at a time when the country was deeply divided.
Shakeeb also revealed plans to organise special programmes and activities related to the World Cup, and urged the public to celebrate the tournament with friendship, national spirit and unity.
This year’s World Cup will be jointly hosted by Mexico, United States and Canada, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. PSM said it is fully prepared to provide match coverage, news and related programmes throughout the tournament. No other channels hold the rights to broadcast the World Cup in the Maldives.