The BBC and ITV have agreed on broadcast deals for the men’s FIFA World Cup in 2026 and 2026, and will share coverage across TV, audio and digital services.
Hosted in the United States, Mexico and Canada, the 2026 World Cup will be the biggest ever.
The upcoming tournaments have been expanded to 48 teams and will feature 104 matches over 29 days. It will begin in Mexico City on 11 June and end in East Rutherford, New Jersey on 19 July.
In the UK, coverage of the tournament will be split equally between the BBC and ITV. Matches will be shared evenly, with both showing the final and ensuring free-to-air coverage of the World Cup continues.
World Cup Broadcast Deal Keeps Tournaments Free To Watch
It will be welcome news that fans will once again be able to watch the World Cup for free.
The BBC will broadcast live coverage across TV channels and BBC iPlayer. Live audio commentary will also be provided on BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra.
ITV’s coverage will be spread across ITV1, ITV4 and ITVX. They will also show highlights and extra content online via social media platforms.
2030 World Cup A Truly Global Competition
Four years after the 2026 World Cup, 2030’s tournaments will involve six host nations spread across three continents.
Spain, Portugal and Morocco are the official co-hosts. But to celebrate 100 years of the World Cup, original hosts Uruguay will play home to one of three opening matches in South America.
Argentina and Paraguay will also host fixtures to open the tournament.
Speaking after news broke of this latest World Cup broadcast deal, BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski was thrilled to bring free coverage to our screens once again.
He said: “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.”
