British broadcasters have obtained the rights to show the 2027 Women's World Cup from Brazil, guaranteeing viewers can watch without subscription fees.
The BBC and ITV revealed their joint acquisition on Sunday, continuing their partnership for major football tournaments.
This arrangement means the competition will be accessible to all UK viewers on terrestrial television.
The deal encompasses the entire tournament, with matches distributed between both networks.
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| GETTYThe announcement came as the broadcasters prepared to show Sunday evening's Euro 2025 final between England and Spain.
Both channels will broadcast the World Cup final, maintaining the tradition of shared coverage for football's premier events.
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The competition will feature 32 national teams competing across eight Brazilian cities.
Matches begin in June 2027, with the championship match scheduled for Sunday 25 July.
Brazil becomes the first South American nation to host the Women's World Cup. The tournament comprises 64 matches throughout the month-long event.
Both broadcasters will share coverage duties, similar to their arrangement for the men's tournaments in 2026 and 2030.
The networks have also obtained joint rights to these upcoming men's competitions.
Women's international football finals gained protected status as sporting "crown jewels" in 2022, requiring free-to-air broadcast availability.
The rights announcement coincided with heightened rivalry between the two broadcasters during Euro 2025 coverage.
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| ITVITV attracted 10.2 million viewers for England's semi-final victory against Italy on Tuesday, marking its largest audience this year.
The commercial broadcaster declared itself the "home of the Lionesses" following its strategic decision to select first choice of semi-final matches.
Sunday's final saw both networks competing for viewers, with ITV advancing its coverage start time to 3.30pm, prompting the BBC to respond by moving its programme forward to 3.40pm.
Ian Wright's enthusiastic reactions during ITV's coverage generated widespread social media attention, particularly his celebration of Michelle Agyemang's crucial goal against Italy.
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| GETTYNiall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, stated: "ITV is proud to play a key role in supporting the tremendous growth of women's football in the UK.
"ITV Sport is the home of the Lionesses and it's vital we ensure tournaments like the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 remains free-to-air for generations of football fans to enjoy, with support of the game at an all time high."
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, commented: "BBC Sport has been a longstanding champion of women's football, helping to elevate the game to where it is today.
"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 Euros."