World Cup broadcasting rights now agreed


 
 
 
 
 
 

BBC and ITV have announced World Cup broadcasting rights.

The 2026 World Cup will be shared between the pair, that tournament to be held in Mexico, Canada and the United States.

The deal that has been announced (see below) also covers the 2030 World Cup, with Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are hosting. However, three games in that tournament will also be played in South America to mark 100 years since Uruguay staged the first World Cup. Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay hosting one each, early in the tournament.

As Newcastle United fans, hopefully plenty of additional interest in both tournaments when they come around, especially with the current increasing interest generated by young Newcastle players in the England team.

BBC Sport report – 17 December 2024:

‘BBC Sport has agreed a deal to share live coverage of the men’s Fifa World Cup in 2026 and 2030 with ITV and will broadcast the tournament across TV, audio and digital platforms.

The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the biggest yet, with 48 teams playing 104 matches over 39 days – beginning in Mexico City on 11 June and ending in East Rutherford, New Jersey on 19 July.

The two broadcasters will share the rights equally, splitting matches between them, including a shared final, ensuring continued free-to-air coverage of the Fifa World Cup.

Alongside live TV coverage and highlights across the BBC TV channels and iPlayer, live audio commentary will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra. Fans will be able to listen to 5 Live coverage on BBC Sounds and follow all the action on the BBC Sport website and app.

ITV will deliver free-to-air coverage of live fixtures across ITV1, ITV4 and ITVX, plus highlights and exclusive content on ITV Sport social accounts.

The 2030 tournament will be held across three continents and six countries.

Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are co-hosting, but to mark 100 years since Uruguay staged the first World Cup there will be three matches played in South America – Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay hosting one each – to open the tournament.

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.”