BBC, ITV announce World Cup match split

[dutchman]

The BBC and ITV have confirmed their split of matches for this year's FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

England's first match against the USA will air at 7.30pm on Saturday, June 12 on ITV1. Their second game against Algeria will be broadcast on Friday, June 18 at 7.30pm, also on ITV1.

The final group game for the national team against Slovenia will air on Wednesday, June 23 at 3pm on BBC One.

In the knockout phases, the BBC will have first pick of the round of 16 and quarter-final matches. If England reach the semi-final the tie will be simulcast live by both broadcasters. ITV and the BBC will also both show the final live.

ITV controller of sport Niall Sloane said: "We're delighted that ITV will kick off coverage of this summer's World Cup and that England's two opening games will be shown live on ITV1 in peak time.

"There is no bigger event on UK television or online than the World Cup and ITV will be at the heart of the action from the first kick through to the final whistle."

BBC head of TV sport Philip Bernie added: "The BBC are very happy with how the TV split of matches for the World Cup has been resolved.

"The BBC has some of the most appetising of the group fixtures, and will be showing live every England match from their final group game onwards, so we hope to be with them for a long and successful campaign.

"The BBC will aim again to capture the very best of the biggest event of the year across all its outlets, on TV, on radio and online."