Many Malaysian football fans say they will avoid costly World Cup 2026 subscriptions, choosing mamak restaurants and highlights instead.
PETALING JAYA: As debate grows over the reported near-RM200 million broadcasting rights for the Fifa World Cup 2026, many football fans say they are unlikely to pay for premium subscriptions, opting instead for mamak restaurants, selected matches and online highlights to follow the tournament.
While some welcomed RTM’s move to secure access to the tournament, others questioned whether the hefty cost would translate into meaningful public value, particularly if not all matches are aired live.
Social media entrepreneur Muhammad Rizqan, 26, said he had followed football since childhood, but only became more engaged during his university years due to easier internet access.
He said he was not overly concerned if RTM did not broadcast every match live, as he already subscribed to Unifi TV, but sympathised with lower-income fans who may not have similar access.
“To be honest, I am not too bothered because I can still watch through other broadcasters.
“But I do pity those who do not have the same access, especially the B40 group.
“I believe mamak restaurants will set up big screens and people will gather there to watch together,” he said.
Rizqan said the reported rights fee was substantial although he acknowledged that highlights packages may be sufficient for casual viewers, even if it reduced the excitement of watching matches live.
Marketing executive Muhammad Azim Tajuddin, 28, said his passion for football began during Cristiano Ronaldo’s early years at Manchester United, before intensifying after Germany’s historic 7-1 victory over Brazil in the 2014 World Cup.
However, he admitted he would not be following every game in 2026 due to work and personal commitments.
“I will not be watching every match considering my work schedule and other commitments.
“Even if I do watch, I would probably head to a mamak restaurant with friends over dinner. I would not spend on subscription packages just to follow all the matches,” he said.
Campaign branding associate Aizat Zainol, 28, who has followed football since Arsenal’s unbeaten Premier League title-winning season in 2004 and became a regular World Cup viewer in 2010, questioned whether the huge spending on broadcasting rights was justified.
“If the returns do not match the cost, then it may not be worth it.
“I would rather wait for free broadcasts but realistically some fans may turn to other online platforms. This could encourage more pirate streaming,” he said.
Meanwhile, lab technician Nazeerah Zaini, 27, said she was not a regular football fan but usually joined family members during major tournaments.
“I do not really feel the hype this year.
“Previously, there were World Cup songs by Shakira, as well as massive campaigns by Nike, Adidas and Pepsi. Even people who did not follow football closely still got caught up in the excitement.
Nazeerah added that mamak restaurants remained one of the best places to experience the World Cup atmosphere.