Football fans have expressed disappointment over the absence of a traditional highlights show on BBC or ITV for the World Cup, as matches kick off in the early hours in the UK. Both broadcasters have defended their decision to offer highlights exclusively through digital platforms.
Fan Reactions to No Traditional Highlights Show
Mexico opened the tournament with a comfortable 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday night, while South Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in a match that started at 3am UK time. Friday sees Canada begin their campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, followed by the United States facing Paraguay.
Broadcasting rights are shared between BBC and ITV in the UK, and both have chosen to provide highlights via their apps and social media channels rather than scheduling a traditional programme. This has upset many supporters.
One fan wrote on X: "Have I got this right? The BBC and ITV don’t have a morning or afternoon MOTD style highlights show of FIFA World Cup games we’ve missed through the night? Diabolical." Another added: "There should absolutely be an 8/9am show with highlights from the previous night. It would do numbers. Only needs to be half an hour."
Broadcasters Explain Their Approach
A BBC spokesperson told Mirror Football: "We are creating round the clock coverage throughout the tournament, across more platforms than ever before. Given the time difference - matches taking place late at night and in the early hours of the morning - we are producing highlights that can be accessed by fans at whatever time suits them, on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app, and across social media."
An ITV spokesperson said: "We are broadcasting a daily highlights show on ITVX, called World Cup Catch Up each morning - timings will vary depending on when the last match of the night finishes (some matches only kick off at 5am). Live games and highlights will be broadcast on ITV and ITVX providing a comprehensive coverage package and content across ITV Football’s social platforms including X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, ensuring fans will not miss a single minute of the action."
The outcome is that fans must use BBC iPlayer or ITVX to watch individual match highlights rather than a packaged TV show. Social media will also be filled with clips and viral moments between now and the final on July 19.
Bumpy Start for BBC Highlights
The BBC's attempt to show highlights without spoilers had a rocky start after fans noticed that the thumbnail for the Mexico game advertised the three red cards, despite not showing the score.
Both broadcasters aim to appeal to younger audiences by moving away from traditional norms. BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski wrote after announcing the BBC's World Cup plans: "Hopefully something for everyone in here whether you like pundit opinions, journalism, tactics or the light-hearted stuff."
