BBC and ITV make huge Lionesses announcement ahead of World Cup 2027

British broadcasters BBC and ITV announced that they have secured the rights to show the Women's World Cup 2027. Both TV channels shared coverage of the Euro 2025 final, which saw England Lionesses defeat Spain in a penalty shoot-out, and will continue to split matches in Brazil.

The BBC and ITV announced a joint acquisition of television rights on Sunday. This will ensure that Lionesses matches will remain free-to-air after the success of Euro 2025, with millions tuning in.

The broadcasters will split Lionesses matches evenly, as they did for the tournament in Switzerland, but once again both will show the final.

"Extending our partnership with FIFA alongside ITV ensures that the drama and spectacle of the Women's World Cup remains free-to-air," said BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski.

"BBC Sport has been a longstanding champion of women's football, helping to elevate the game to where it is today - a sport experiencing unprecedented growth in popularity and reach across BBC Sport platforms.

"From domestic leagues to major international tournaments, we've brought the defining moments to millions across the UK already, including this summer's Women's Euro tournament."

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ITV will also show all of England's qualifying matches and friendlies leading up to the competition in South America.

"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," said Niall Sloane, ITV director of sport.

The tournament begins on June 24, 2027, with the final taking place on July 27. Spain are the defending world champions.

England will feel confident of going one better than their runner-up finish in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, having gained revenge against Spain in Basel, with Chloe Kelly netting the winning penalty on Sunday evening.

They will face serious competition at the first Women's World Cup to be played in South America, though, and ITV pundit Ian Wright has already named Emma Hayes' USA as the Lionesses' biggest threat.

"They're the favourites, they're the ones to beat," Wright said of the USA. "They're so good, they're so good. If we get anywhere near them I'd be really happy because they're the ones, they're major favourites.

"You can't ignore France either, they seem to be really close. I don't know what's missing from them, but there's something missing from them.

"Spain as well, if you look from the forwards' point of view, if they can get that centre-forward, because that's what they were missing today. If they can get that centre-forward to finish it off then Spain will be a problem.

"They need to do that in the next two years, they need to find that. It might be enough time, it might not. But if they do find that forward then Spain will be a problem."