BBC and ITV confirm rights deal for FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030

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.”

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