BBC and ITV unveil full group stage World Cup TV schedule

1 Comment

The BBC will have first pick of the semi-finals, while ITV gets the round of 16 and quarters

Qatar stadium world cup 2

The BBC and ITV have unveiled their scheduling for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

The BBC will air England’s opening match against Iran, as well as the Three Lions’ clash with the as yet undetermined European qualifier in the last game - which will be one of Scotland, Wales, and Ukraine. Away from England’s group, it will also show Spain v Germany, Brazil v Serbia and Argentina v Poland - as well as two matches with France and all of Belgium’s group games.

Meanwhile, ITV will broadcast England’s game against the USA, as well as the European qualifier’s game against the USA - should Wales or Scotland fill that spot. It will also air Brazil against Switzerland and Cameroon, World Cup holders France’s against Denmark, and the likes of Argentina, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Portugal in the group stages.

The tournament will kick off on ITV and STV in Scotland on 21 November with coverage of the first match between the Netherlands and Senegal.

Later in the tournament, ITV will have the first two picks for the round of 16, and the first pick of the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the BBC will have the first pick for the semi-final.

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, added: “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.”

Full group stage TV schedule