World Cup 2026 viewers voiced the same grievance just minutes into the Netherlands vs Japan match on Sunday evening. The fixture at AT&T Stadium kicked off at 9pm UK time, broadcast live on ITV1 in the UK and FOX in the US, with streaming on ITVX and FOX One.
Fans Vent Anger on Social Media
Disgruntled supporters flocked to X to criticize ITV's coverage. One fan fumed: "Can we just ban ITV from showing the World Cup? And give it all to the BBC? Constantly poor quality, cuts out, app closes, ITVX sucks." Another agreed: "Watching the World Cup on BBC in beautiful UHD quality streaming, ITV looks like I'm playing Sensible Soccer from the 90s, awful."
A third viewer added: "The Dutch have broken ITV's stream with their kits. It's bordering on unwatchable on my set." Others echoed similar sentiments about the picture quality being "horrendous" and resembling old video games.
Not All Viewers Displeased
However, some fans were delighted with the coverage. One enthusiastic supporter wrote: "Hats off to ITV for the World Cup coverage." Another simply agreed: "I agree."
Laura Woods introduced the match, telling viewers: "Changeover complete, and now we head to the Lone Star state and the home of the Dallas Cowboys for our next live game." She added that Japan, as dark horses, face the Netherlands in Texas, noting the Dutch aim to end their record as three-time runners-up.
Japan arrived in breathtaking form, having won their last six matches including victories over Brazil and England. The Netherlands, despite the absence of Xavi Simons, remain among the favourites.
