When and where to watch the World Cup games in the UK 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup with weeks of glorious football (not ‘soccer’)
Here’s your guide to when the games are on, who’s playing and watch the World Cup games in the UK.
The FIFA World Cup returns this summer running from 11 June to 19 July and bringing together many of the world’s biggest sporting nations for 39 days of drama.
For viewers in the UK, every match will be available free to air across the various BBC and ITV channels, with coverage shared between the two broadcasters. From the opening fixtures and group-stage rivalries to the knockout rounds and the final itself, there will be no shortage of opportunities to settle in and enjoy the action.
World Cup TV schedule
| Date | Match | Time (BST) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 30 June | Netherlands v Morocco | 2am | ITV |
| Tue 30 June | Ivory Coast v Norway | 6pm | BBC |
| Tue 30 June | France v Sweden | 10pm | ITV |
| Wed 1 July | Mexico v Ecuador | 2am | ITV |
| Wed 1 July | England v DR Congo | 5pm | BBC |
| Wed 1 July | Belgium v Senegal | 9pm | ITV |
| Thu 2 July | USA v Bosnia-Herzegovina | 1am | BBC |
| Thu 2 July | Spain v Austria | 8pm | BBC |
| Fri 3 July | Portugal v Croatia | 12am | BBC |
| Fri 3 July | Switzerland v Algeria | 4am | BBC |
| Fri 3 July | Australia v Egypt | 7pm | BBC |
| Fri 3 July | Argentina v Cape Verde | 11pm | ITV |
| Sat 4 July | Colombia v Ghana | 2.30am | ITV |
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