Live coverage of the FIFA World Cups in 2026 and 2030 will be available on TV, audio, and digital platforms thanks to an agreement between BBC Sport and ITV.
In order to guarantee ongoing free-to-air coverage of the World Cup, the two broadcasters will continue to divide the rights equally, dividing matches between them, including a shared final. Since 1966, the BBC and ITV have shared the rights to broadcast the World Cup.
BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra will provide live audio commentary in addition to the BBC’s live TV coverage and highlights. Additionally, coverage will be accessible on the BBC Sport app and website.
In addition to highlights and unique content on ITV Sport’s social media platforms, ITV will provide free-to-air coverage of live matches on ITV1, ITV4, and ITVX.
With 48 countries competing in 104 matches, the FIFA World Cup 26, which is being hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will be much larger than previous tournaments. This is more than the 32 teams and 64 games played in Qatar in 2022.
Meanwhile, the 2030 event, which will take place in six countries and three continents, promises a first in history. The tournament will begin with three centenary celebration matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, which are being co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
“The World Cup is magical, something the entire planet stops to experience, and we can’t wait to show it to audiences across all platforms,” stated Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of Sport at the BBC.
“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,” stated Niall Sloane, Director of Sport at ITV.
“We are thrilled 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 optimize the viewing experience,” stated FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom.
