BBC Sport and ITV have agreed a deal for live coverage of the FIFA World Cups in 2026 and 2030 across TV, audio and digital platforms.
The two broadcasters will continue to share the rights equally, splitting matches between them, including a shared final, ensuring continued free-to-air coverage of the World Cup. The BBC and ITV have shared the coverage rights to the World Cup since 1966.
Alongside the BBC’s live TV coverage and highlights, live audio commentary will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra. Coverage will also be available on the BBC Sport website and app.
ITV will deliver free-to-air coverage of live fixtures across ITV1, ITV4 and ITVX, plus highlights and exclusive content on ITV Sport social accounts.
The FIFA World Cup 26, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will be significantly bigger than recent competitions, with 48 teams playing 104 matches. This is up from 32 teams and 64 matches at Qatar in 2022.
Meanwhile, the 2030 tournament promises a historical first by being held across three continents and six countries. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are co-hosting, with three centenary celebration matches to be held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, which will kick-off the tournament.
Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC Director of Sport, said: “The World Cup is magical, something the whole planet stops to experience, and we can’t wait to show it to audiences across all platforms."
Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, said: “The World Cup always delivers some of the most memorable, historic and exciting moments in the sporting calendar and we are pleased to display the finest footballing action to the widest possible audience.”
Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA Secretary General said: “We are delighted to be able to extend our partnership with the BBC and ITV for the next two editions of the tournament, as they will provide strong platforms in the UK to reach the widest audience possible and optimise the viewing experience.”
Read more US writers call on Hollywood studios to take action against AI firms
You are not signed in
Only registered users can comment on this article.
YouTube calls for greater support and recognition for content creators
YouTube has called for greater support for the content creator economy, and has urged the UK government and creative industries to recognise digital creators as a profession.
Key funder withdraws from Crown Works Studios project
A key backer for the planned £450m Crown Works Studios in Sunderland has withdrawn from the project, according to a BBC News report.
France Télévisions strikes ‘historic agreement’ with Amazon Prime Video
French public broadcaster France Télévisions has struck a deal to distribute its entire france.tv streaming platform – including live channels and catch-up shows - via Amazon’s Prime Video.
Pinewood Group submits data centre planning application
Pinewood Group has submitted a planning application to Buckinghamshire Council for a data centre on the Pinewood South site.
Martin Österdahl to step down as Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest
Martin Österdahl is to step down from his role as Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) and Junior Eurovision Song Contest (JESC) after five years overseeing the world’s largest music event.
.jpg)
