BBC and ITV have agreed a new rights deal to screen the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 event in Qatar.
The agreement means that coverage of the competition will remain on free-to-air terrestrial television for a further eight years, and the two broadcasters will continue to jointly screen the tournament, having done so together since 1966.
Barbara Slater, the BBC director of sport, expressed her delight at having secured "one of the biggest sporting events in the world".
"It is fantastic news that the pinnacle event in world football will continue to be available free of charge for everyone in the UK," Slater added.
The 2014 tournament kicks off in Brazil on Thursday, with the host nation facing Croatia in Sao Paulo.
Written by
Chris O'Keefe
Chris O'Keefe
