BBC Sport and ITV have reached an agreement for free-to-air coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030.
- The partnership will allow both broadcasters to share the rights equally, providing comprehensive coverage across TV, radio, and digital platforms.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 teams playing 104 matches.
- The 2030 tournament will be co-hosted by six countries across three continents, marking a historical first for the event.
- Key figures from BBC Sport, ITV, and FIFA have expressed excitement over the expanded reach and continued free access to the World Cup.
BBC Sport and ITV have jointly announced a strategic deal to broadcast the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and 2030. This collaboration ensures that live fixtures, highlights, and exclusive content will be accessible to audiences across the United Kingdom. The agreement marks an equitable sharing of broadcasting rights, allowing fans to enjoy the excitement of the World Cup without any cost.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a monumental event, with 48 teams competing in a total of 104 matches spread over 39 days. Hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, this tournament promises to be a football spectacle, drawing global viewers like never before.
Meanwhile, the 2030 FIFA World Cup represents a landmark occasion as it will be held across six countries and three continents. Co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with initial matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, it promises diverse cultural festivities. This format commemorates the centenary of the World Cup, reflecting the tournament’s rich history.
Alex Kay-Jelski from BBC Sport stressed the unifying power of the World Cup, highlighting its ability to bring people together around the globe. He emphasised the importance of broadcasting these moments of magic across all platforms, empowering audiences worldwide to participate in this shared experience.
Niall Sloane from ITV reinforced this sentiment, looking forward to presenting historic, exciting moments to the broadest possible audience. He mentioned ITV’s commitment to capturing memorable footballing action for everyone to enjoy.
FIFA’s representative, Mattias Grafstrom, acknowledged the collaboration with BBC and ITV as an opportunity to engage a wider audience and enhance the viewing experience in the UK. The partnership with these major broadcasters aligns with FIFA’s ongoing efforts to expand the World Cup’s global reach.
The collaboration between BBC Sport and ITV ensures that audiences in the UK will continue to access the FIFA World Cup without barriers, fostering a shared cultural moment.
