In an exciting development for sports enthusiasts, the Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Independent Television (ITV) have successfully secured the rights to broadcast the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, scheduled for the summer of 2027. This partnership ensures that one of the largest and most popular tournaments in women’s football will remain accessible to UK audiences without any cost. The collaboration marks a crucial step in the campaign to elevate women’s sports visibility, ensuring that viewers can enjoy the matches live and for free.
The broadcasting responsibilities will be shared evenly between the two networks throughout both the group and knockout stages of the tournament, a format that has sparked enthusiasm among sports fans. Notably, both the BBC and ITV will come together to present the highly anticipated final match, providing comprehensive coverage and insights surrounding what is expected to be a thrilling climax to the tournament.
Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC’s Director of Sport, expressed excitement over the continuation of this collaboration with FIFA, stating, “Extending our partnership with FIFA alongside ITV ensures that the drama and spectacle of the Women’s World Cup remains free to air.” This statement highlights BBC Sport’s longstanding commitment to promoting women’s football, which has seen a remarkable surge in popularity and reach across various BBC platforms. The BBC has played a vital role in showcasing significant moments in women’s football, from domestic leagues to international tournaments, including the recent Women’s Euro 2022.
Programming details indicate that the BBC will present live coverage through multiple avenues including television, iPlayer, and its online platforms, in addition to coverage on radio and social media channels. Similarly, ITV will also provide live televised matches alongside a variety of coverage on social media and its streaming platform, ITVX. Additionally, ITV is set to broadcast all of England’s qualifying matches leading up to the tournament, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the team’s journey towards the World Cup.
Niall Sloane, the Director of Sport at ITV, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament, saying, “The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 is sure to be another standout tournament and we look forward to continuing our relationship with both FIFA and the BBC.” This highlights the importance and growing influence of women’s football on a global scale.
The tournament itself is set to begin on June 24, 2027, and will conclude a month later on July 27. With 32 teams scheduled to compete, the event promises to bring together a remarkable display of talent and passion for the game. The defending champions from the most recent tournament in 2023, Spain, are set to enter the fray after an incredible victory over England, winning the final match 1-0.
As the anticipation for the tournament builds, sports fans are also encouraged to engage with upcoming matches. Specifically, the rival teams of Spain and England will square off again in the Euro 2025 final, which is set to be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 17:00 BST. Listeners can enjoy commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, while fans can also follow live updates on the BBC Sport website and app.
In summary, the agreement between BBC and ITV to broadcast the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is a landmark moment for women’s sports, showcasing a commitment to making major events accessible to all. With both broadcasters gearing up for what is sure to be a thrilling tournament, fans can mark their calendars and prepare for an incredible summer of football in 2027. The advancement of women’s football, as illustrated by this partnership, signifies not only the growing popularity of the women’s game but also the unwavering spirit of fans and players alike.
