BBC and ITV have announced an agreement to broadcast the FIFA World Cup tournaments in 2026 and 2030, ensuring that UK audiences will have free-to-air access to one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
Mattias Grafström, FIFA Secretary General said, “The expanded FIFA World Cup is set to be an unforgettable event for football fans everywhere in 2026 and 2030. 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.”
Under the new agreement, BBC and ITV will equally share the broadcast rights, dividing the matches between them and showcasing the final match jointly. Notably, BBC will provide live TV coverage and highlights across its traditional channels and the iPlayer streaming platform, ensuring accessibility for fans across devices. It will also offer live audio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra, catering to listeners on the go. ITV, on the other hand, will deliver its coverage through ITV1, ITV4, and its streaming service ITVX, complemented by highlights and exclusive content tailored for its social media platforms.
Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC Director of Sport, said, “The BBC is delighted and excited to be showcasing these tournaments. The World Cup is magical, something the whole planet stops to experience, and we can’t wait to bring it to people across all platforms.”
2030 marks the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup and will have a unique setup with matches taking place across six countries that are Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco spanning three continents. Additionally, broadcasters aim to provide a comprehensive viewing experience across multiple formats, keeping fans connected to every moment of the action.
Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, said, “We are looking forward to bringing these two tournaments free-to-air across ITV and ITVX. 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.”