Sport
ATN secures exclusive rights to broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026 in Afghanistan
As preparations for the tournament continue, ATN will keep viewers informed with regular updates on the qualification process, tournament news, venue profiles and exclusive features leading up to kick-off in June 2026.
Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) is proud to announce that it has secured the exclusive broadcast rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, and will bring every moment of football’s biggest tournament live to audiences across Afghanistan.
The agreement will allow millions of Afghan football fans to enjoy comprehensive coverage of the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in June 2026. From the opening match through to the final, ATN will deliver live broadcasts, match highlights, analysis and special programming on television and digital platforms.
Football remains one of Afghanistan’s most popular sports, with the FIFA World Cup uniting families and communities in every corner of the country. By securing the exclusive rights, ATN reaffirms its position as Afghanistan’s leading broadcaster and its commitment to bringing world-class sporting events to Afghan audiences.
“ATN has always believed in the power of sport to inspire, unite and bring hope,” said an Ariana Television spokesperson.
“The FIFA World Cup is more than just a football tournament – it is a global celebration that transcends borders, and we are honoured to make it accessible to viewers throughout Afghanistan.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 national teams competing across North America. Fans can look forward to more matches, new rivalries and an expanded festival of football unlike any previous edition.
As preparations for the tournament continue, ATN will keep viewers informed with regular updates on the qualification process, tournament news, venue profiles and exclusive features leading up to kick-off in June 2026.
For decades, Ariana Radio and Television Network has invested in sports broadcasting, recognising the important role sport plays in bringing people together. From international football and cricket to major regional competitions, ATN has consistently worked to ensure Afghan audiences have access to the world’s biggest sporting events.
The acquisition of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ rights reflects ATN’s ongoing commitment to the people of Afghanistan by delivering quality programming that informs, entertains and connects communities. The network remains dedicated to providing reliable, accessible coverage that allows Afghans to share moments of global significance and celebrate the passion of sport together.
Further details on broadcast schedules, programming and coverage plans will be announced closer to the tournament. Fans are however, encouraged to follow Ariana Television and Ariana News’ social media platforms in the coming months for updates.
Sport
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan set for friendly cricket clash in Khost
The match will be played during a cricket league, and is part of the Cricket Development Support Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ACB and the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan in December last year.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced that it will host Uzbekistan’s national cricket team for a one-off T20 international on July 10 at the Rahmat Wali Masroori Cricket Ground in Khost province.
According to the ACB, the match will be played during a cricket league, and is part of the Cricket Development Support Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ACB and the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan in December last year.
The friendly match is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM, with an Afghan XI taking on the visiting Uzbek side. The game will be broadcast live across Afghanistan and internationally through various linear and digital platforms.
Quoted by the ACB, Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan said the board remains committed to supporting emerging cricket nations such as Uzbekistan and is ready to extend similar assistance to other countries seeking to develop the sport.
He noted that the ACB has already organized capacity-building programs and training workshops for members of the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan, while several Uzbek fast bowlers also participated in the ACB’s specialized Fast Bowling Camp last year.
Khan added that Uzbekistan has consistently maintained a friendly policy toward Afghanistan and that the two countries have strengthened cooperation in healthcare, politics, and trade in recent years. He said closer collaboration in cricket development would further deepen relations between the two neighboring nations.
Sport
Serbian Dejan Dedovic appointed head coach of Afghanistan national futsal team
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) has appointed Serbian coach Dejan Dedovic as the new head coach of the national futsal team on a two-year contract.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by AFF officials, futsal committee members, technical staff, and sports journalists.
Dedovic will lead Afghanistan’s preparations for upcoming regional and international competitions, overseeing the team’s technical development and training programs.
The federation also announced several additions to the national team’s coaching staff. Iran’s Javad Asghari Moqaddam has been appointed technical director, while Morteza Mansour Samaei will serve as goalkeeping coach. Spain’s Uriel Masana has joined as assistant coach, Iran’s Sadeq Amani as fitness coach, and Brazil’s Joao Lira as team analyst.
In addition, the AFF renewed the contract of Mohammad Nasir Sedaqat as manager of the national futsal team.
The federation said it expects the newly assembled coaching staff to contribute to the continued development of Afghan futsal and strengthen the team’s competitiveness at the regional and international levels.
Sport
India clinch ODI series against Afghanistan
The India national cricket team defeated Afghanistan in the third and final One Day International (ODI), sealing the series with a 9-wicket victory and lifting the series trophy.
Afghanistan won the toss in the final match and opted to bat first.
Batting first, Afghanistan were bowled out for 218 in 44.2 overs, setting India a target of 219 runs.
Hashmatullah Shahidi played a superb innings, scoring 102 runs off 131 deliveries, anchoring the Afghan batting effort.
In reply, India made light work of the chase, reaching 219 for the loss of just one wicket in 28.4 overs, completing a dominant run chase.
India had already taken an unassailable lead in the series by winning the first ODI by 7 wickets and the second by 170 runs, before sealing a comprehensive 3–0 series sweep in the final match.
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