Sunil Chhetri joins Zee 5 expert panel for FIFA World Cup 2026

Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has joined Zee 5’s expert panel as a pre-show analyst for the platform's coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The announcement, reported from Hyderabad on 24 June 2026, brings one of the country's most celebrated athletes to the tournament's broadcasting team to provide tactical insights for viewers across India.

Zee 5 is bringing the global sporting event to Indian audiences as the tournament captivates fans around the world. By bringing Chhetri onboard, the platform aims to leverage his extensive experience and deep understanding of the game to enrich the viewing experience for football fans throughout India.

As a pre-show expert, Chhetri will deliver analysis alongside an esteemed panel of football personalities. The broadcast lineup also includes former national captain Bhaichung Bhutia, current Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and former national team head coach Igor Stimac, among others. Together, the panel aims to bring a combination of global and local perspectives to Indian audiences.

Chhetri is widely regarded as the face of Indian football. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has inspired generations of fans and played a transformative role in elevating the profile of Indian football on the global stage. He is the country's all-time leading goalscorer with 95 international goals, ranking him among the highest goalscorers in the history of men's international football. He is also India's most-capped men's footballer.

Speaking on his appointment to the panel, Chhetri expressed his excitement about participating in the coverage of the tournament. He stated that the FIFA World Cup is the stage where the greatest stories in football unfold, from legendary players continuing to build their legacy to emerging stars and nations striving to make history on the biggest stage.

Chhetri added that having spent his life playing and studying the game, he looks forward to sharing his insights with fans. He plans to analyze the tactical battles, standout performers, and unforgettable moments that make the World Cup a special tournament.