How to Watch FIFA World Cup 26 in the United Kingdom

The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be the biggest and most expansive tournament in football history, featuring 48 teams playing 104 matches across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For football fans in the United Kingdom, knowing exactly how to catch every moment of this monumental sporting event is essential.

The good news is that BBC and ITV have secured the broadcasting rights, ensuring comprehensive free-to-air coverage across multiple platforms. This article provides all the information you need about watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the UK, from TV channels to streaming options.

BBC and ITV Secure Exclusive UK Broadcasting Rights

In December 2024, BBC Sport and ITV announced they had agreed a deal for live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 across TV, audio, and digital platforms. This agreement continues the longstanding partnership between the two broadcasters, which dates back to 1966. The broadcasting arrangement guarantees that all matches from the tournament will be available to UK viewers without subscription fees. Both broadcasters will share the rights equally, splitting matches between them, including a shared final, ensuring continued free-to-air coverage of football’s most prestigious competition.

Mattias Grafström, FIFA Secretary General, expressed his satisfaction with the deal: “The expanded FIFA World Cup is set to be an unforgettable event for football fans everywhere in 2026 and 2030. We are delighted to be able to extend our partnership with the BBC and ITV for the next two editions of the tournament, as they will provide strong platforms in the UK to reach the widest audience possible and optimise the viewing experience”. This arrangement forms part of FIFA’s broader strategy of securing broadcast deals in over 20 markets for the 2026 World Cup, with further agreements expected to be concluded soon.

BBC’s Comprehensive Coverage Plans

The BBC’s coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will span multiple platforms to ensure fans can enjoy the tournament regardless of how they prefer to consume content. Viewers can expect live TV coverage and highlights across BBC TV Channels and BBC iPlayer. The broadcaster will deliver comprehensive match coverage, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the tournament.

In addition to television coverage, the BBC will broadcast live audio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra. Football fans can listen to these radio broadcasts through traditional radio, BBC Sounds, or access them via the BBC Sport website and app. This multi-platform approach ensures that supporters can follow every kick, goal, and moment of drama whether at home, commuting, or on the move.

Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC Director of Sport, highlighted the significance of securing the tournament rights: “The BBC is delighted and excited to be showcasing these tournaments. The World Cup is magical, something the whole planet stops to experience, and we can’t wait to bring it to people across all platforms”. The BBC’s commitment to comprehensive coverage reflects the importance of the World Cup to UK audiences.

ITV’s Extensive World Cup 26 Broadcast Package

ITV’s coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will provide fans with extensive viewing options across its platforms. The broadcaster will deliver free-to-air coverage of live fixtures on ITV1, ITV4, and its streaming service ITVX. STV and STV Player will also carry the coverage for viewers in Scotland, ensuring nationwide access to the tournament.

Beyond live match coverage, ITV plans to offer highlights packages and exclusive content on ITV Sport social media accounts. This additional content aims to enhance the viewing experience by providing deeper insights, analysis, and memorable moments from the competition. The multi-platform approach allows fans to engage with World Cup content in various formats and at convenient times.

Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, expressed enthusiasm about the broadcast deal: “We are looking forward to bringing these two tournaments free-to-air across ITV and ITVX. The World Cup always delivers some of the most memorable, historic and exciting moments in the sporting calendar and we are pleased to display the finest footballing action to the widest possible audience”. ITV’s approach underscores its commitment to delivering high-quality sports coverage to UK audiences.

Free-to-Air Access Guaranteed for UK Fans

A crucial aspect of the BBC and ITV agreement is the guarantee of free-to-air access for all UK viewers. The FIFA World Cup is designated as one of the UK’s “crown jewel” sporting events, meaning it must be shown on free-to-air platforms. This regulation ensures that major sporting events of national importance remain accessible to the entire population, regardless of their ability to pay for subscription services.

The shared broadcasting arrangement between BBC and ITV has become a tradition for World Cup coverage in the UK. By dividing the matches between them, both broadcasters can provide extensive coverage of the tournament, bringing different perspectives and presentation styles to enhance the viewing experience. The shared final represents the pinnacle of this collaboration, with both channels broadcasting the most significant match of the tournament simultaneously.

This commitment to free-to-air coverage stands in contrast to many other major sporting events that have moved to subscription platforms in recent years. For football fans across the UK, the accessibility of World Cup matches represents an opportunity to participate in a shared national experience, fostering community engagement and discussion around the tournament.

Following England’s World Cup Journey

For supporters of the England national team, ITV will broadcast all of England’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier matches. The qualification campaign is already underway, with England facing teams such as Latvia, Serbia, and Albania in Group K. According to the schedule, key England matches include:

These qualifying matches provide fans with an opportunity to see the England team develop before the tournament proper. The qualifiers also offer insights into potential strategies, team selections, and form that may influence England’s performance at the 2026 World Cup. Coverage will include pre-match build-up, post-match analysis, and expert commentary to enrich the viewing experience.

Beyond the television broadcast, England’s qualifying matches can also be streamed live via ITVX and STV Player, providing flexible viewing options for supporters. This multi-platform approach ensures that fans never miss a moment of England’s journey to the 2026 World Cup.

Digital Streaming Options

In recognition of changing viewing habits, both BBC and ITV have developed robust digital offerings for the 2026 World Cup. BBC iPlayer will feature live streams of all BBC-broadcast matches, plus on-demand replays, highlights, and additional content. The BBC Sport website and app will also provide comprehensive tournament coverage, including live text commentary, statistics, and analysis.

ITVX will serve as ITV’s primary digital platform for the World Cup, offering live streaming of all ITV-broadcast matches. The service provides viewers with the flexibility to watch matches on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. ITVX also features catch-up functionality, allowing fans to watch matches they may have missed.

Both digital platforms are accessible without subscription fees, maintaining the free-to-air principle across all viewing methods. These streaming services are particularly valuable for viewers who prefer to watch on mobile devices or cannot access traditional television broadcasts. The digital offerings also provide additional content that complements the television coverage, creating a more immersive World Cup experience.

The Expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup Format

The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a significant expansion from previous tournaments. For the first time, the competition will feature 48 teams, up from the traditional 32-team format. This expansion allows more nations to participate, increasing global representation and potentially creating more diverse and exciting matchups.

The tournament will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, spanning 16 host cities across North America. This continental approach to hosting creates a unique logistical challenge but also provides an opportunity to showcase football across different regions and cultures. The competition will feature an unprecedented 104 matches, significantly more than the 64 matches in previous tournaments.

The 2026 World Cup will begin in Mexico City on June 11 and conclude in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19. This 39-day football festival promises to unite the globe through football and create “the most inclusive sporting event in history”. The expanded format may also introduce new competitive dynamics, potentially allowing more opportunities for underdog teams to progress further in the tournament.

Preparing for an Unparalleled Football Experience

The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be an extraordinary sporting event that captures the attention of football fans worldwide. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the comprehensive coverage provided by BBC and ITV ensures that every aspect of the tournament will be accessible across multiple platforms. From television broadcasts to digital streaming, radio commentary to social media content, UK fans have numerous ways to engage with the expanded World Cup format.

The free-to-air guarantee maintains the traditional accessibility of the tournament, allowing communities across the nation to share in the excitement and drama of international football’s premier competition. The expanded format, with 48 teams and 104 matches, offers more opportunities to witness magical moments, surprising upsets, and displays of footballing excellence.

As the qualification process continues and the tournament approaches, UK viewers can prepare for an unprecedented football spectacle in 2026. With BBC and ITV’s comprehensive coverage plans, every goal, save, and celebration from the expanded FIFA World Cup will be available to enjoy, analyze, and remember for years to come.

FAQs

1. Which TV channels will broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the UK?

The BBC and ITV have secured exclusive rights to broadcast all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the UK. Both broadcasters will split the matches equally, including the final, ensuring free-to-air coverage. BBC matches will air on BBC One, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer, while ITV will show games on ITV1, ITV4, and ITVX. This partnership continues a decades-long tradition of shared World Cup coverage.

2. Can I stream matches online without a subscription?

Yes! All matches will be available to stream for free via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. These platforms support live streaming and on-demand replays, making it easy to watch games on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, or computers. No subscriptions or login fees are required, maintaining the tournament’s free-to-air accessibility.

3. Will the World Cup cost anything to watch in the UK?

No—every match, including the final, will be free to watch. The UK’s “crown jewel” event status ensures the World Cup remains accessible on public service broadcasters. This means no paywalls or premium channels, allowing all fans to enjoy the tournament without additional costs.

4. How can I follow live radio commentary for the matches?

BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra will provide live audio commentary for every game. Listeners can tune in via traditional radio, the BBC Sounds app, or the BBC Sport website. This option is ideal for fans on the go or those who prefer audio coverage.

5. What if I miss a live match?

Both BBC iPlayer and ITVX will offer full-match replays and highlight packages shortly after each game concludes. The BBC Sport and ITV Sport websites will also publish extended highlights, key moments, and post-match analysis, ensuring you stay updated even if you miss the live action.

6. Where can I watch England’s World Cup qualifiers?

ITV holds the rights to broadcast all of England’s qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup. Key fixtures, such as England vs. Serbia (September 2025) and Albania vs. England (November 2025), will air on ITV1 and ITVX. Pre-match analysis and post-game breakdowns will accompany each broadcast.

7. When does the 2026 World Cup start, and how long will it run?

The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City and concludes with the final on July 19, 2026, in New Jersey. Matches will span 39 days across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The expanded 48-team format means more games, with group stages running through late June and knockout rounds beginning in July.

8. Are there additional shows or analysis around the World Cup?

Yes! The BBC and ITV will provide pre-match build-ups, expert panels, and behind-the-scenes content. ITV Sport’s social media accounts will share exclusive clips and interviews, while the BBC will air documentaries and player profiles. Both networks plan special programming to explore the cultural impact of the first 48-team World Cup.

9. Will time zone differences affect match schedules in the UK?

Matches in North America will likely air in the evening or late afternoon UK time, similar to previous U.S.-hosted tournaments. For example, games in Los Angeles (8 hours behind UK time) could start as early as 5 PM GMT, while East Coast matches (New York, 5 hours behind) may begin around 8 PM GMT. Exact schedules will be confirmed closer to the event.

10. Can I watch matches on multiple devices at once?

Absolutely. BBC iPlayer and ITVX allow simultaneous streaming on multiple devices, so households can watch different matches or catch up on replays without interruption. Both platforms also support casting to larger screens via Chromecast, Apple TV, or smart TVs.