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ITV leads UK World Cup ratings in first week over BBC

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 10:53 AM

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

ITV leads UK World Cup ratings in first week over BBC
Summary

ITV has dominated UK television ratings in the first week of the World Cup, securing four of the five highest audience figures. The peak was during England's 4-2 victory against Croatia, which drew 15.4 million viewers on ITV. This match, held in Dallas, marked the year's highest UK viewing figures. BBC's strategy of showcasing more first-pick knockout games has resulted in lower ratings compared to ITV's coverage.

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The Guardian Sport
By the Numbers
  • •England's match against Croatia attracted over 10 million average viewers.
  • •ITV secured four of the five most-watched broadcasts in tournament so far.
  • •BBC opted for first-pick matches in knockout stages.
  • •The peak audience for the England-Croatia match was 15.4 million.
Latest Updates
  • 10:53 AMThe Guardian Sport — ITV wins World Cup ratings battle with BBC in tournament’s first week
What they're saying
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England v Croatia got year’s highest UK TV figures BBC opted for more first-pick games in knockout stages ITV is winning the UK television ratings battle after the first week of the World Cup. Viewing figures obtained by the Guardian from Barb, which measures audience numbers, show the commercial channel had four of the five highest TV audiences, topped by England’s 4-2 win over Croatia. England’s victory in Dallas attracted a peak audience of 15.4 million on ITV and an average of more than 10 million, the highest UK TV viewing figures of the year. Continue reading...

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