Securing the shared exclusive rights for ITV and BBC continues the free to air broadcasting of FIFA World Cup tournaments to UK television viewers, as well as encompassing online and radio coverage. The 2018 finals will be the fourteenth consecutive FIFA World Cup that ITV and BBC broadcast together, continuing their long-running and hugely successful broadcast partnership. Over three quarters of the UK population tuned in to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport said: “The excitement building on the eve of this summer’s tournament in Brazil demonstrates how the FIFA World Cup offers a shared, collective experience for people across the UK. So we’re thrilled to be able to look forward to bringing the next two World Cups free to air to viewers in 2018 and 2022.”

BBC Director of Sport Barbara Slater said: “We are delighted to have secured the rights to one of the biggest sporting events in the world. It is fantastic news that the pinnacle event in world football will continue to be available free of charge for everyone in the UK. As we prepare for kick off in Brazil we hope viewers at home will enjoy watching it as much as we will look forward to broadcasting it.”