Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) is committed to delivering comprehensive coverage of all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 across its television and digital platforms, Bernama reported.
Director-General of Broadcasting Ashwad Ismail said football fans nationwide will be able to follow the tournament through RTM Klik and RTM channels on MYTV and Unifi TV.
He said RTM is mobilising its full resources to ensure the quadrennial tournament is accessible to all Malaysians, including those in rural areas.
“We decided to bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 to Malaysians because it is what the people want, especially local football fans. Football remains the country’s most popular sport and many are eager to see what makes this edition different from previous tournaments.
“That is why we are mobilising all available resources. This is not RTM’s effort alone, nor solely that of the Broadcasting Department or the Communications Ministry.
“It is a collective effort involving major local telecommunications brands that understand the pulse of the people,” he told reporters during an interview session at Angkasapuri here today.
At the same time, Ashwad said government expenditure for the tournament had been reduced to RM26.2 million, compared with about RM33 million spent on the 2022 World Cup.
“For the 2022 edition, the government, through RTM, spent around RM33 million. This time, it is RM26.2 million to bring all 104 matches to Malaysians,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ashwad said RTM Klik would play a key role in expanding audience reach as the platform can be accessed through multiple devices nationwide.
He said the streaming platform has recorded more than seven million downloads, while active users stood between 3.5 million and 4.8 million in March and April.
“I believe those numbers will continue to grow and I hope Malaysians will keep supporting the efforts of RTM’s production team. I am grateful that our team is ready to produce coverage for all 104 matches,” he said.
Apart from live match broadcasts, RTM will also collaborate with government agencies and private sector partners to organise various World Cup-related programmes nationwide.
The RTM World Cup 2026 Grandstand programme is scheduled to begin at 1 am this Friday, ahead of the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa at 3 am Malaysian time.
Asked about his favourite team, Ashwad said five-time champions Brazil have remained close to his heart since childhood, although he believes Portugal could spring a surprise in this year’s tournament.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, featuring 48 teams – the largest participation in the tournament’s history since its inaugural edition in Uruguay in 1930.
Early last month, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that RTM and Unifi TV would serve as the official broadcasters of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as part of the government’s effort to ensure Malaysians can watch the tournament through legitimate and widely accessible platforms.
