December 17 – BBC Sport and ITV have renewed their deal to share live coverage of the men’s World Cup for both 2026 and 2030 editions, ensuring continued free-to-air access for football fans across the UK.
The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be the largest edition yet, featuring 48 teams playing 104 matches over 39 days. The tournament kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City at the iconic Azteca Stadium, and concludes on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. BBC and ITV will split the matches equally, including joint coverage of the final.
BBC Sport’s coverage will span live TV broadcasts on its channels, including iPlayer, while live audio commentary will be delivered via BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, and BBC Sounds. Fans can also follow matches on the BBC Sport website and app. ITV will air live fixtures on ITV1, ITV4, and ITVX, with highlights and additional content available across ITV Sport’s digital platforms and social media channels.
The 2030 World Cup will be played across three continents and six host nations. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will co-host the majority of matches, but to celebrate the tournament’s centenary, three opening matches will be played in South America.
Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will each host a match, honouring Uruguay’s role as the host of the first-ever World Cup in 1930.
Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC director of sport, 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.”
No value was given for the TV deals.
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.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734877213labto1734877213ofdlr1734877213owedi1734877213sni@g1734877213niwe.1734877213yrrah1734877213