BBC and ITV to broadcast 2026 World Cup matches in the UK

BBC and ITV will show key World Cup 2026 matches, including England and Scotland games, in the UK.

Scotland's World Cup schedule Scotland will face Haiti on 14 June in their opening World Cup match since 1998, which will be broadcast live. Their final group game against Brazil will also be shown. The side is placed in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Morocco. Scotland's encounter with Morocco will air on another network, while their matches with Haiti and Brazil will be on the main broadcast channel. ## England's World Cup broadcast plan England's second group match against Ghana on 23 June will be televised, along with any knockout matches they progress to, including the last 32, last 16, and semi-finals. Their other group fixtures against Croatia and Panama will air on a different channel. England starts in Group L and aims to advance deep into the tournament for more live coverage. ## Defending champions and key teams Argentina, the 2022 champions, will have their group games against Austria and Jordan broadcast live. Teams like France, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Portugal will each have two group matches televised. Brazil, with five titles, will feature prominently, along with other top sides like France and Portugal, ensuring high-profile games reach viewers. ## Broadcast promises and highlights A spokesperson for the main broadcast network said they are excited to showcase the FIFA Men's World Cup. The coverage includes England's potential knockout matches on the primary channel and iPlayer, Scotland's crucial games, and star-studded fixtures featuring players like Messi, Mbappé, Ronaldo, and Haaland. Matches airing late will be available the next morning for viewers. ## ITV's free-to-air commitment A representative from the secondary broadcast network expressed pride in bringing the FIFA World Cup to UK audiences for free. The tournament will span summer, ensuring broad access without subscription fees. Both networks aim to cover every major moment as the competition unfolds across co-hosting nations. ## Tournament details and host nations The 2026 World Cup marks the first time three countries—United States, Canada, and Mexico—will co-host the event. The opening match kicks off on 11 June 2026 in Mexico City, with the final set for 19 July in New Jersey. The expanded format and multiple host cities promise a diverse and exciting tournament experience. ## Group stage TV schedule sample The broadcast schedule includes key fixtures like Mexico vs South Africa on 11 June at 20:00 BST on one channel, while another starts early on 12 June with South Korea vs Czech Republic at 03:00. Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina and USA vs Paraguay also feature, with games spread across early morning and evening slots. The schedule continues with matches like Brazil vs Morocco and Scotland vs Haiti on 13 and 14 June, respectively. ## Sample knockout and group fixtures England’s potential knockout matches, if they advance, will be shown alongside Scotland’s crunch group games. Defending champions Argentina will have their group clashes televised, including their matchup with Austria. Other high-profile games involve France, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Portugal, ensuring top-tier teams are well-represented on air.