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World Cup 2026: BBC Announces TV Schedule Featuring England and Scotland Matches

Scott McTominay leads Scotland's celebrations after qualifying for the World Cup

BBC and ITV Set to Broadcast Men’s World Cup Matches

Exciting Matches on the Horizon

The BBC is set to air Scotland’s inaugural men’s World Cup game since 1998, where they will face Haiti on June 14. Additionally, the broadcaster will also cover Scotland’s final group game against Brazil.

England’s second group encounter, which pits them against Ghana on June 23, will also be featured on the BBC. If they advance in the tournament, the BBC will show their matches in the knockout stages, including the last 32, last 16, and semi-finals.

England’s other Group L clashes with Croatia and Panama, as well as Scotland’s match against Morocco, will be covered by ITV.

Potential Welsh and Irish Broadcasts

If Wales or Northern Ireland secure a spot through the play-offs scheduled for March, their group match against Canada on June 12 will be aired on the BBC. Additionally, if the Republic of Ireland qualifies through their play-offs, two of their group matches will also be shown.

The BBC is set to feature three of the top four selections in the last 16 and three of the top five selections in the last 32.

Both the BBC and ITV will broadcast the final match of the tournament.

Coverage of Defending Champions and Other Key Matches

The BBC will showcase live coverage of defending champions Argentina’s group matches against Austria and Jordan. Furthermore, the broadcaster will also feature two group matches each for the 2022 finalists France, along with five-time champions Brazil, the Netherlands, and Portugal.

“We are excited to present the FIFA Men’s World Cup,” stated Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC Sport Director. “From, hopefully, live England knockout matches on BBC1 and iPlayer to Scotland’s crucial games against Haiti and Brazil, as well as glamorous fixtures featuring stars like Messi, Mbappe, Ronaldo, Salah, and Haaland, we aim to deliver all the drama and analysis of the pivotal moments.”

“The ones you may miss during the night, we will ensure you are updated on the following morning as well.”

Niall Sloane, ITV’s Director of Sport, expressed pride in their role, stating, “We are delighted to broadcast the FIFA World Cup here at ITV and are committed to keeping it free-to-air for viewers across the UK to enjoy this summer.”

Upcoming World Cup Details

The 2026 World Cup will be uniquely co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first instance of three countries collaborating for this event. The tournament will kick off with the opening match on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, culminating with the final on July 19 in New Jersey.