World Cup highlights explained as fans complain about BBC and ITV's 'diabolical' decision

World Cup highlights explained as fans complain about BBC and ITV's 'diabolical' decision Football fans have been left disappointed by the lack of a traditional highlights show from the BBC or ITV for the World Cup, with matches kicking off in the early hours of the morning BBC and ITV have defended their decisions not to broadcast a traditional highlights show during the World Cup. The tournament has kicked off in North America, but many fans have bemoaned the lack of a programme to keep up to date with everything going on. Mexico began the World Cup with a comfortable 2-0 win over South Africa on Thursday night, before South Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in match that kicked off at 3am in the UK. Friday sees Canada begin their campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto before the United States play Paraguay. Broadcasting rights are split between the BBC and ITV in the UK and both channels have rights to show highlights of the matches. They have chosen to do so on their respective apps and social media channels, rather than scheduling a traditional highlights show in a regular slot. That hasn't gone down well with 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.” Get the latest World Cup 2026 news in your inbox with our Make Football Great Again newsletter “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," another added. 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 on 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 upshot is that fans will have to go to BBC iPlayer or ITVX to watch match highlights individually, rather than in a package on TV. Additionally, social media will be awash with clips and viral moments between now and the final on July 19. The BBC's attempt to show highlights to viewers without giving away spoilers endured a bumpy start after fans pointed out that, while it didn't say the score, the thumbnail for the Mexico game advertised the three red cards. Both broadcasters are keen to appeal to younger audiences and are moving away from previous norms to do so. “Hopefully something for everyone in here whether you like pundit opinions, journalism, tactics or the light-hearted stuff,” BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski wrote after announcing the BBC's World Cup plans. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that's 'designed for football' from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.