The television schedule for the 2026 World Cup in the United Kingdom has been confirmed, with ITV set to broadcast England's opening group stage match. Thomas Tuchel is the latest manager tasked with ending the Three Lions' 60-year wait for a major trophy.
Kick-off Times and Broadcasters
While much has been discussed about the tournament's kick-off times, England's matches are relatively favourable for British viewers. However, the final group game against Panama kicks off at 10pm BST, which may require younger fans to bend bedtime rules.
As usual, the BBC and ITV will share coverage of England matches. ITV will broadcast both pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica, as well as two of the three group stage fixtures. If England progress from the group stage, the BBC will handle the majority of their knockout matches, while both networks will show the final regardless of which teams reach it.
England at World Cup 2026 TV Schedule
- Wednesday, 17 June – England vs Croatia – 9pm – ITV1
- Tuesday, 23 June – England vs Ghana – 9pm – BBC One
- Saturday, 27 June – Panama vs England – 10pm – ITV1
- Last-32 game – TBC – BBC
- Last-16 game – TBC – BBC
- Quarter-final – TBC – ITV
- Semi-final – TBC – BBC
- Final – TBC – BBC and ITV
How to Watch England at World Cup 2026
TV channel: All matches will be shown on either a BBC or ITV channel.
Live stream: UK TV licence holders can watch matches online via BBC iPlayer or ITVX.
Live blog: Follow all the action via Standard Sport's live blog.
