"The process - or 'split' as Phil calls it is simple: The BBC and ITV take it in turns to have the first pick and rotate it between tournaments - it's the same with the Euros. This time it's the BBC's turn to pick first. Once they've picked their first match, ITV then choose theirs, and it goes back and forth until all the matches have been allocated. Then both the BBC and ITV broadcast the final."
""We typically end up with an even split with the priority games like England, Scotland and the knockout matches having the highest value," says Bigwood. "For this World Cup there are 92 picks in total and we get 10 minutes to make each one - although we don't always need that long. "For the Euros in Berlin last year it took a few hours to get through, but this will take a lot longer. There's normally quite a lot of coffee drunk!""
BBC and ITV have screened the men's World Cup together since 1966 and agreed to share live coverage again for 2026 and 2030, keeping the tournament on free-to-air television. Rights for 2026 are split equally, with both broadcasters sharing the final. The selection process, called the 'split', alternates first pick between tournaments; the BBC has first pick for 2026. Broadcasters perform homework after the draw to learn match dates and venues before choosing. There are 92 picks for this World Cup, typically allowing 10 minutes per pick, with high-value priority matches like England, Scotland and knockouts prioritized.
Read at www.bbc.com
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