The BBC and ITV’s deal secures free-to-air access across traditional broadcast and online platforms.
- FIFA Men’s World Cup finals will continue to be simulcast on BBC One and ITV1, plus their respective streaming services.
- Agreement means matches will continue to be evenly split between broadcasters.
The BBC and ITV have agreed a comprehensive broadcast rights deal for live coverage of the 2026 and 2030 FIFA Men’s World Cup. For viewers and listeners, the deal retains the current status quo.
The two broadcasters will again share the rights equally, splitting matches between them. This includes a shared final, simulcast on both BBC One and ITV1.
The FIFA World Cup 26, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will see 48 teams playing 104 matches over 39 action-packed days.
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.
For fans, very little changes in terms of where the coverage will be found.
BBC One and ITV1 (STV in Central and Northern Scotland) will be the home of the majority of games, with both channels showing the final live. Overspill coverage will be shown either on other BBC TV channels or ITV4.
Live streams will continue to be available through the BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
Audio coverage will remain on BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra or BBC Sounds.
And both broadcasters have secured comprehensive online rights covering the BBC and ITV Sport websites and social media outlets.
Both broadcasters will announce in early 2026 the exact fixtures each broadcaster will show in the group stages.
Corporate comments
Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, says:
“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.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC Director of Sport, added:
“Securing these iconic tournaments means BBC Sport is once again bringing people together for the biggest sporting moments. 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.”
Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA Secretary General commented:
“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.”
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Collage – FIFA, BBC, ITV