BBC tries to shame Brits into buying TV licence during World Cup matches with QR code prompts

By ELIZABETH HAIGH, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 10:08, 24 June 2026 | Updated: 10:15, 24 June 2026 Broadcasters have been accused of trying to shame Brits into buying a TV licence during World Cup matches. The BBC was among those last night to display QR code prompts during games which - if scanned - led viewers to an option to purchase the £180 licence. It is mandatory for those watching TV in the UK live or on playback services such as iPlayer. During England's 0-0 draw with Ghana last night, viewers were shown the code at points before the game and post kickoff, accompanied by the message: 'Buy a TV licence. Scan the QR code'. Presenters also reminded viewers ahead of the match that they needed to own a licence to legally watch World Cup games.  It comes amid declining compliance with the opt-in system, as it is estimated by the BBC that some 94 per cent of households use its services every month, but just 80 per cent have a TV licence. But the move was met with anger from many fans watching at home, who told broadcasters to 'have a day off'. The code has been displayed during other matches of the 2026 tournament, including England's first game against Croatia. The BBC was among those last night to display QR code prompts during games which - if scanned - led viewers to an option to purchase the £180 licence ITV is also understood to be showing the prompt to viewers on its coverage.  Reacting to the prompts, one fan wrote on social media: 'BBC kindly giving us a QR code to remind us to pay for a TV licence, have a day off. 'Let people watch the World Cup without trying to take more money.' A second added: 'If BBC Sport tell me to buy a TV licence again, I swear I'm never renewing. 'This is so tone deaf it's unbelievable. Get in the bin.'  Others complained the code had obscured vital moments during matches or were skeptical it would have any tangible effect. 'I doubt even one person out of the 13 million people watching in the UK scans the QR code,' said one viewer.  A TV Licensing spokesperson said the trial is being viewed as a way of testing new methods to increase compliance: 'We regularly test new ways of supporting people to get and stay correctly licensed.'  Before last night's draw it also posted on social media: 'England take on Ghana tonight at 9pm on BBC One. Remember, you need a TV Licence to watch the game live. Buy your licence here.'  The government has been looking at ways to increase the number of Brits paying for a TV licence, amid warnings that declining uptake could lead to further cuts at the BBC. One option being considered is forcing those who currently only stream content on platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ to also pay for the licence. Industry sources claimed last night that this is the preferred option for Keir Starmer 's ministers from the end of 2027 - although it is unknown whether this will also be the case for the new Prime Minister. Another possibility would be making payment mandatory, regardless of whether adults watch TV or not. This model is already adopted in other countries including Germany, where the compulsory fee is attached to each residence. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.