BBC and ITV retain FIFA World Cup UK rights for 2026 and 2030
BBC Sport and ITV Sport have acquired free-to-air (FTA) UK rights to the next two FIFA men’s World Cups in 2026 and 2030.
Under the agreement with football’s global governing body, the public service broadcaster and commercial network will split the rights evenly throughout the next two editions of the competition.
BBC will provide FTA coverage across its linear channels and iPlayer streaming service, as well as offering live commentary across BBC Radio 5 Live, and 5 Sports Extra.
ITV meanwhile will air matches across its own linear channels, and will share match highlights and various content across its digital and social platforms.
The deal continues the longstanding partnership for BBC and ITV, who have shared World Cup rights since 1966.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be staged across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Four years later, the next edition of the showpiece international tournament will be held across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with centenary celebration fixtures set to take place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The 2030 competition will become the first to be staged across three continents and six countries.
Last week, FIFA announced its hosts for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups, with Saudi Arabia confirmed as the successful bidder for the competition.
“Securing these iconic tournaments means BBC Sport is once again bringing people together for the biggest sporting moments,” said Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of Sport at BBC.
“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.”
Niall Sloane, Director of Sport at ITV, added, “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.”
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