Football fans across Britain are set for the ultimate summer viewing experience as the 2026 World Cup runs from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, July 19. The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time in World Cup history, providing 104 matches across 39 days.
The entire tournament will be broadcast live across BBC and ITV, with both free-to-air broadcasters sharing rights to all 104 matches. Coverage is split evenly between the two networks, meaning fans can watch without any subscription or pay-per-view charges.
Matches are available on TV via BBC One, ITV1, and ITV4, with full high-definition coverage. Live streaming is also free through BBC iPlayer and ITVX, ensuring fans never miss a moment whether at home or on mobile devices.
The tournament opens on June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City at 8pm UK time. British interest begins immediately, with Canada taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto at 8pm on BBC One.
England supporters have plenty to anticipate. The Three Lions face Croatia on June 17 at 9pm on ITV1, before their clash with Ghana on June 23 at 9pm moves to BBC One. England’s final group match against Panama on June 27 returns to ITV1.
Scotland make their first World Cup appearance since 1998. BBC will broadcast Scotland’s opener against Haiti on June 14, as well as their crucial final group match against Brazil. Their fixture with Morocco will be shown on ITV.
Time zones present challenges for British viewers. Due to North American scheduling, matches kick off between 4pm and 1am UK time, with group stage fixtures typically starting at 7pm, 10pm and 1am.
The final on July 19 will be simulcast on both BBC and ITV, ensuring maximum coverage for what promises to be a memorable conclusion to the biggest World Cup in history.