Hockey’s global FIH governing body has broadened the coverage for its upcoming men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 national teams tournament after securing a new rights deal with Pakistani pay-TV broadcaster Tapmad.
Under the deal, Tapmad gains exclusive digital and television rights for the World Cup, giving domestic fans access to the Pakistan national hockey team’s return to the flagship event for the first time in eight years.
The Hockey World Cup 2026 is due to be staged in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30.
Tapmad chief executive Yassir Pasha said: “Securing exclusive rights for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 reflects Tapmad’s commitment to bringing world-class sports closer to Pakistani audiences.
“At Tapmad, we believe moments like Pakistan’s return to the Hockey World Cup deserve to be experienced by every fan across the country.”
The rights add to Tapmad’s previous coverage of FIH events, including the body’s Hockey Nations Cup 2024-25, Hockey Pro League 2025-26, and the Hockey World Cup Qualifier 2026.
Tapmad said as part of the agreement, it will deliver an immersive viewing experience live in high definition, without ads.
FIH director general Mike Joyce added: “We are very pleased to see Pakistan, a country that has written some of the greatest chapters in hockey’s history, return to the highest level of international hockey, as confirmed by its qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 and its participation in the FIH Hockey Pro League.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Tapmad to help hockey fans in Pakistan watch the performances of their favorite team at the FIH’s most prestigious event.”
The new agreement comes as the FIH works to boost its global visibility, having announced a new commercial partnership with the Sportfive international sports marketing agency in November.
Under the partnership, Sportfive will help the FIH secure new brand partnerships across major markets, including the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, and the United Kingdom, starting with the FIH’s flagship men's Hockey World Cup national teams tournament.
The agreement will also cover FIH’s wider portfolio of international events and tournaments, including its Pro Hockey League and Hockey5s World Cup.
The governing body also secured Endeavor Streaming, a subsidiary of the international entertainment agency giant, to power its Watch.Hockey OTT streaming service, while also partnering with Spring Media, the Sweden-based international sports media and marketing agency, to distribute live betting video rights for its events through 2028.
