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.
Ofcom unveils draft code for streaming regulation
UK media regulator Ofcom has set out its plans to level the regulatory playing field between streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters, so viewers receive similar content protections.
Hybrid AI VFX creative studio The Next Valley launches
AI production and tech firm nmatic.ai and VFX collective Alibi Studios have launched The Next Valley, billed as one of the world’s first studios dedicated to combining AI tools with traditional VFX production for film, advertising, and broadcast content.
ITV remains in ‘active discussions’ with Sky over sale
Sky and ITV are reportedly close to an acquisition deal that would see the telecoms operator take over the UK’s most-watched free-to-air PSB.
France Télévisions predicts job cuts before 2027
Stéphane Sitbon-Gomez, Deputy General Manager of France Télévisions, has reportedly said that layoffs may be on the table for the PSB’s staff as a result of budget constraints, anytime between May 2026 and the French presidential elections in 2027.
.jpg)
CEO of ITN to be replaced “immediately”
Rachel Corp has stepped down after nearly four years as CEO of ITN with immediate effect. She will be succeeded by Ian Rumsey.
.jpg)
