BBC Sport has entered a deal with ITV to deliver live coverage of the men’s FIFA World Cup for both 2026 and 2030. This significant partnership guarantees extensive broadcasting across TV, audio, and digital platforms.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be the largest tournament yet. Featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, it will occur over 39 thrilling days, starting on June 11, 2026, with the opening match held in Mexico City and culminating in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19.
Under the agreement, BBC and ITV will share the broadcasting rights evenly, offering viewers access to every match, including the highly anticipated shared final. This collaboration ensures continued free-to-air coverage of the FIFA World Cup, which has captured the hearts of fans globally.
For the 2026 tournament, BBC will showcase live matches and highlight reels across BBC channels and iPlayer. Fans will also have access to live audio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra, alongside comprehensive coverage via the BBC Sport website and app.
ITV is set to deliver its own free-to-air coverage, featuring live match broadcasts on ITV1, ITV4, and ITVX, along with highlights and exclusive content on its social media accounts.
Looking even farther ahead, the FIFA World Cup 2030 will mark a historic milestone, celebrating 100 years since Uruguay hosted the inaugural tournament. The event will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. To commemorate this centennial, three matches will also take place in South America, hosted by Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This unique arrangement emphasizes the tournament's deep-rooted connection to its origins.
Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC’s director of sport, expressed enthusiasm for securing the rights to these iconic tournaments. He stated, "Securing these iconic tournaments means BBC Sport is once again bringing people together for the biggest sporting moments." His sentiment echoes the excitement felt across the globe for the FIFA World Cup, events which often unite diverse audiences.
The anticipation for the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cup tournaments has reached fever pitch, not only for the matches themselves but also for the cultural celebrations they will bring. The 2026 World Cup is expected to set new benchmarks for international tournaments, leveraging the distinct features of its three co-hosting nations, each bringing their unique flair and enthusiasm to the event.
BBC Sport’s extensive rights portfolio includes other prestigious events, such as the Olympic Games, the FA Cup, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. This dedication to providing high-quality sports coverage underlines its role as a key player in sports broadcasting.
With the partnership between BBC and ITV, fans can look forward to unprecedented access to the World Cup as it evolves, transforming the way viewers engage with these monumental events. The World Cup isn't just about football; it’s about cultural interplay, national pride, and global unity.
Both broadcasters will strive to deliver groundbreaking coverage, ensuring their audiences remain at the forefront of all the thrilling action, whether through television broadcasts, live commentary, or digital streaming. The collaboration is set to redefine what fans can expect from viewing major sports events, reinforcing the importance of free-to-air access for wider audiences.
The excitement continues to build as the world looks toward the largest and most diverse FIFA World Cup yet, where the spirit of competition and camaraderie will take center stage.
