World Cup 2026 on BBC: Watch coverage and daily TV schedule

The BBC is back with live coverage of the World Cup 2026.

Five yellow BBC sport microphone covers laid on grass.

(Photo by Alex Pantling - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Published: Thursday, 16 July 2026 at 11:30 am

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The BBC has broadcast some historic sporting moments over the years and we could be sent for another this week.

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This summer's World Cup is a testament to the joys and importance of keeping sport on free-to-air TV.

BBC and ITV have split coverage of the tournament, which is the biggest ever after the expansion to 48 teams and 104 fixtures.

Both will show the final but only the BBC are set to broadcast the third-place play-off, which sees England against France.

Gary Lineker may no longer be at the helm but never fear, there is a top-quality cast of presenters, pundits, and commentators to take you through every twist and turn the tournament has to offer.

Radio Times brings you all the details on how to watch BBC coverage of the World Cup 2026.

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How to watch the World Cup 2026 on BBC

The BBC is set to show 54 matches throughout this summer's tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The majority of games will be broadcast live on BBC One, though other channels will be used for the final round of group stage matches when games kick off simultaneously.

Viewers can also tune in to watch on BBC iPlayer or the BBC Sport website on a range of platforms, including laptops, mobiles, and tablets.

All 104 games at World Cup 2026 will be broadcast free-to-air, with BBC and ITV splitting the coverage for UK fans – though both will show the final.

World Cup 2026 BBC coverage schedule

All UK time. All subject to change. England and Scotland games in bold.

Third-place play-off

Saturday 18 July

Final

Sunday 19 July

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Ned Holmes, smiling against a lime green background.

Ned Holmes

Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.

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