FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 free to air as BBC Sport and ITV confirm broadcast deal

BBC Sport and ITV have secured the rights to broadcast the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 in the UK, ensuring the tournament remains free-to-air for audiences. Building on previous collaborations, the partnership aims to deliver every key moment, match, and story to millions of fans across the country.

The tournament, featuring 32 teams, will take place in South America starting on June 24, 2027, and conclude with the final on July 25, 2027. A total of 64 matches will be played across eight host cities.

BBC Sport and ITV will equally share TV rights, splitting the games between them while both broadcasting the final. BBC Sport will provide comprehensive live match coverage across TV and BBC iPlayer, supplemented by extensive digital offerings on its website, app, and social media (@BBCSport, @BBCWomensFootball). This includes real-time clips, highlights, analysis, and behind-the-scenes content. Live audio coverage will be available via BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, and BBC Sounds.

ITV will deliver extensive live coverage across ITV1, ITV4, and ITVX, featuring its presenters and pundits. Highlights will be accessible on ITVX and ITV's social channels (@ITVFootball, @ITVSport). ITV will also broadcast all of England's qualifying matches and friendlies leading up to the tournament, maintaining its role as the home of the Lionesses.

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, stated the partnership ensures the World Cup remains free-to-air, continuing to inspire audiences and bring in new fans, building on the BBC's history of elevating women's football. Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, emphasized ITV's pride in supporting the growth of women's football and the importance of keeping major tournaments accessible, citing the high audience figures for recent Lionesses matches.

The article also notes that BBC Sport's broader rights portfolio includes the FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030, the Olympic Games, UEFA Euro 2028, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Wimbledon, FA Cup, Women’s Super League, and Match of the Day. ITV's portfolio includes the Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030, UEFA Men’s Euros 2028, Guinness Men’s Six Nations, ITV Horse Racing, LIV Golf, and the Carabao Cup.