Gary Lineker will be given a World Cup swan song after the BBC announced they have struck a deal with ITV for live coverage of the 2026 and 2030 tournaments.
The 64-year-old Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of the current season after 26 years.
The former England striker will continue to provide live FA Cup coverage before leaving the club completely in two years' time after the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The deal will see the BBC provide live coverage and highlights on its TV channels and iPlayer, as well as live audio commentary on Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.
ITV will offer free coverage of live matches on ITV1, ITV4 and ITVX, plus highlights and exclusive content on ITV Sport's social accounts.
The two broadcasters will broadcast more matches than ever before after the World Cup expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches.
BBC Sports Director Alex Kay-Jelski said: 'The World Cup is magical, something the whole planet stops to experience, and we can't wait to bring it to audiences on all platforms.'
Niall Sloane, ITV's Director of Sport, added: 'We look forward to broadcasting these two tournaments free-to-air on ITV and ITVX.
“The World Cup always delivers some of the most memorable, historic and exciting moments on the sporting calendar and we are pleased to be able to bring the best football action to the widest possible audience.”
Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA Secretary General, said: “The expanded FIFA World Cup will be an unforgettable event for football fans around the world in 2026 and 2030.
'We are delighted to be expanding our partnership with the BBC and ITV for the next two editions of the tournament, as they will provide strong platforms in Britain to reach the widest possible audience and optimize the viewing experience. '
The deal comes just days after Mail Sport revealed that Kelly Cates will leave Sky Sports to become part of a three-man team that will replace Lineker as host of Match of the Day.
The highly regarded broadcaster, daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, will leave for the BBC at the end of the season.
Cates is expected to join fellow broadcasters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with presenting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 split between the three of the trio.
Sky bosses are deeply saddened by the loss of the 49-year-old.
Cates' smooth presentation of Sky's Premier League coverage and previous experiences with the BBC have clearly been to her advantage.
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