The BBC has again beaten ITV in the final World Cup figures | BBC

Those World Cup the studios have been replaced, their professional rosters are being evaluated for almost a match. But when it came to the final of the competition, the results were clear – the audience chose BBC over ITV.

Four times as many people turned to the BBC to watch Spain got the victory in Argentina’s war, very similar to his lead on ITV four years ago.

The BBC enjoyed an average of 9.7 million viewers, and ITV drawing 2.4 million, according to the agency Digital i.

A BBC special, presented by Gabby Logan and featuring Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Joe Hart. and Wayne Rooneypeaked at 13.6 million viewers. Guy Mowbray took part in the commentary.

The ITV broadcast, presented by Mark Pougatch plus Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane, reached 3.4 million viewers. Sam Matterface was the commentator, along with pundit Lee Dixon.

This means that ITV has not closed the gap BBC at the end of the race. Four years ago in Qatar, the BBC had an overnight audience of 9.2 million, with ITV drawing 2.8 million, according to Digital i.

This result will convince the BBC bosses of their decision not to participate in the competition from the US until the end. His decision to use a new set in Salford was compared unfavorably to ITV’s Brooklyn studio.

However, many in the media believe that it is the lack of advertising that gives the BBC a huge advantage over its peers.

ITV has also been praised by TV insiders for its smartness in bringing in stars Neville and Keane, ensuring it will benefit viewers who were drawn to the pair’s Stick to Football podcast.

The BBC’s decision not to broadcast from the US is still controversial in television, despite its recent popularity. “You should show up at the World Cup,” said an official on sports radio.

It will not face the same decision on Euro 2028 in two years. The competition is held in the UK and Ireland.

The viewing figures come as big cuts are taking place at the company, with more coming to BBC Sport later in the year. One of the decisions to host more World Cup games from the new UK studio was to ensure they could be used on Match of the Day.

All advertisers have also been trying to adapt to the big changes in consumption as audiences turn to mobile and digital platforms for football games. A new BBC video on YouTube has hit 100m views. On social media, BBC videos, interviews and analysis attracted 2.55bn views.

“Our aim was to have an audience on every channel, not just during the game, but every hour in between,” said Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport.

“We wanted to tell the story of the tournament, bring fans closer to the biggest moments and innovate in ways that have made the event richer than ever. The response has been amazing.”