How BBC and ITV select World Cup round of 32 matches
Short overview
BBC and ITV face a tight turnaround to select which World Cup round of 32 matches to broadcast. The BBC gets first pick among 16 games, with many lineups unknown until the group stage ends. The first knockout match kicks off just 15 hours later.
Both the BBC and ITV are preparing for a hectic turnaround as they decide which matches to broadcast from the World Cup's round of 32. The two national broadcasters in the United Kingdom share an equal split of matches throughout the tournament.
Group stage conclusion and knockout round start
The 72-game group stage concludes in the early hours of Sunday morning (BST). Attention will then turn to the first knockout round, which begins on Sunday night at 20:00 BST. Co-hosts Canada face South Africa in the first of 16 matches in that round.
Selection process for round of 32
Immediately after the group stage ends, bosses from the BBC and ITV will begin selecting matches for the round of 32. The BBC gets the first pick of the 16 matches once they are formally confirmed. However, many lineups will not be known until after the entire group stage is concluded.
With the first knockout match kicking off roughly 15 hours after the group stage ends, both broadcasters must make last-minute changes to their pre-planned programming schedules once they know which matches they will show.
BBC spokesperson comments
A BBC spokesperson said: "It will be an early start and a very long Sunday confirming which matches we have in the first knockout stage and then sorting out all that needs to be arranged for that, but we are really looking forward to confirming the line up for this first round of 32 at a World Cup."
Schedule for round of 32
Matches in the round of 32 will take place between Sunday, 28 June and Saturday, 4 July (BST). This article is from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.
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