The BBC and ITV have revealed their coverage plans, including how the two broadcasters will split the matches, for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar which kicks off on ITV and STV in Scotland on 21 November with coverage of Netherlands v Senegal.
BBC matches will be shown on TV and iPlayer with additional coverage online and on BBC radio while ITV games will be shown on ITV and on ITVX, the broadcaster’s upcoming new streaming service, and for Scottish audiences, on STV and STV Player.
The BBC will show England’s opening match against Iran as well as the possible Home Nations group match against the final European qualifier, which will be one of Wales, Scotland or Ukraine.
ITV will show England’s group game against the USA and will have picks one and two of the Round of 16 and first pick of the quarter-final stages. Should Wales or Scotland qualify, ITV will show their group match against the USA.
The BBC will have first pick of the semi-final stage of the tournament and will also show mouth-watering group matches between Spain and Germany, Brazil and Serbia and Argentina and Poland – as well as two matches with the world champions France and all of Belgium’s group games.
ITV will also show standout group stage matches featuring number one FIFA ranked country Brazil against Switzerland and Cameroon, World Cup holders France’s key match against Denmark, as well as games involving other heavyweights Argentina, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal.
Philip Bernie, BBC Head of TV Sport said: “We are very excited about our selection of matches.
“We have two England group games – their opening group game with Iran and then the enticing match up against either Wales, Scotland or Ukraine – as well as the heavyweight clash between Spain and Germany, big games involving Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, France and Belgium, and the first pick of the semi-finals.
“With extensive 24/7 coverage across BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, radio, online and social media, the World Cup promises to be a huge event to wrap up a major sporting year on the BBC.”
Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, said: “The World Cup is now in focus and we’re delighted to be able to bring viewers coverage of what promises to be some of the standout games of the tournament across ITV channels and our new free streaming service ITVX, which launches this autumn.
“We’re kicking-off with the opening match and will show England’s group stage match against the USA as well as games involving tournament favourites such as Brazil, France, Argentina, Spain and the Netherlands.
“Plus, we have picks one and two of the round of 16 and pick one of the quarter-finals. The ITV Sport team is now looking forward to bringing viewers the very best of the first winter World Cup.”
World Cup 2022 – Group stage game split
| Date | Match | Kick Off (GMT) | Broadcaster |
| Monday 21 November | Senegal vs Netherlands | 10am | ITV |
| Monday 21 November | England vs Iran | 1pm | BBC |
| Monday 21 November | Qatar vs Ecuador | 4pm | BBC |
| Monday 21 November | USA vs Ukraine/Scotland/Wales | 7pm | ITV |
| Tuesday 22 November | Argentina vs Saudi Arabia | 10am | ITV |
| Tuesday 22 November | Denmark vs Tunisia | 1pm | ITV |
| Tuesday 22 November | Mexico vs Poland | 4pm | BBC |
| Tuesday 22 November | France vs UAE/Australia/Peru | 7pm | BBC |
| Wednesday 23 November | Morocco vs Croatia | 10am | ITV |
| Wednesday 23 November | Germany vs Japan | 1pm | ITV |
| Wednesday 23 November | Spain vs Costa Rica/New Zealand | 4pm | ITV |
| Wednesday 23 November | Belgium vs Canada | 7pm | BBC |
| Thursday 24 November | Switzerland vs Cameroon | 10am | ITV |
| Thursday 24 November | Uruguay vs South Korea | 1pm | BBC |
| Thursday 24 November | Portugal vs Ghana | 4pm | ITV |
| Thursday 24 November | Brazil vs Serbia | 7pm | BBC |
| Friday 25 November | Ukraine/Scotland/Wales vs Iran | 10am | BBC |
| Friday 25 November | Qatar vs Senegal | 1pm | BBC |
| Friday 25 November | Netherlands vs Ecuador | 4pm | ITV |
| Friday 25 November | England vs USA | 7pm | ITV |