This World Cup 2026 schedule was updated on 17 June 2026 at 8:00 (BST)
FIFA World Cup 2026 — Results & Group Standings
Updated: Monday 15th June 2026 — Matchday 5
Updated: Monday 15th June 2026 — after matchday 4
From the opening group games through to the final, the tournament remains one of the biggest sporting events in the world, attracting huge global audiences every four years. Once broadcasters confirm coverage schedules, you will find all live matches and channels listed in the schedule above.
World Cup 2026 Schedule: Dates, TV Channels & Kick-Off Times
The FIFA World Cup takes place every four years and brings together the world's top national teams to compete for football's biggest prize. The 2026 tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will be the first edition to feature an expanded 48-team format. The competition is expected to run throughout June and July, beginning with the group stage before moving into the knockout rounds and the final. Our fixture guide lists every confirmed match together with UK kick-off times and broadcaster information, making it easy to follow the tournament from start to finish.
Where to Watch the FIFA World Cup on TV in the UK
In the UK, live coverage of the tournament will be shared between the BBC and ITV, with both broadcasters showing matches throughout the competition. The group stage will see each broadcaster televise 40 matches apiece, before coverage continues evenly through the knockout rounds. BBC and ITV will each show eight Round of 32 matches, four Round of 16 ties, two quarter-finals and one semi-final, while the World Cup Final on July 19 will be shown live on both channels simultaneously. Most matches are scheduled for UK kick-off times of 4pm, 7pm and 10pm during the group stage, with selected overnight fixtures kicking off at 1am UK time due to the North American host locations. Coverage will be available across BBC One, BBC Two and ITV1, alongside their respective streaming platforms.
World Cup broadcast schedule: stage, fixtures, UK broadcasters and expected match times.
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| Stage | Fixtures | UK Broadcasters | Expected match times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | 80 matches | BBC & ITV sharing coverage | 4:00 pm7:00 pm10:00 pm1:00 am |
| Round of 32 | 16 matches | Split evenly between both | 7:00 pm10:00 pm |
| Round of 16 | 8 matches | BBCITV | 7:00 pm10:00 pm |
| Quarter-Finals | 4 matches | BBC — 2 liveITV — 2 live | 7:00 pm10:00 pm |
| Semi-Finals | 2 matches | BBC — 1 matchITV — 1 match | 10:00 pm |
| World Cup Final | Final | BBCITVLive on both | 10:00 pm · 19 July |
How to Stream World Cup matches Live
Fans can stream matches live online using the broadcasters' official streaming platforms. Games shown by the BBC are available through BBC iPlayer, while ITV coverage can be watched live on ITVX across smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets and web browsers. Both services also provide highlights, replays and on-demand coverage throughout the competition.
What Time are World Cup 2026 matches played in the UK?
Due to the tournament being hosted across North America, kick-off times in the UK will vary throughout the day and late into the evening. Group stage matches are expected to kick off at 4pm, 7pm, 10pm and 1am UK time, while knockout fixtures will mainly take place at 7pm and 10pm. The World Cup Final is scheduled for a 10pm UK kick-off on July 19. Our listings automatically display all fixtures in UK time, making it easy to see exactly when matches start and which channel is showing them live.
What is the Format for the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce a completely new tournament structure following FIFA's expansion from 32 to 48 national teams. The competition will feature 12 groups of four teams, with every nation playing three group stage matches before the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, progress into the knockout stages. One of the biggest changes is the addition of a new Round of 32, increasing the overall tournament schedule to 104 matches and creating more knockout fixtures than ever before. Teams will then progress through the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and ultimately the World Cup Final. The expanded format means more nations will qualify for the tournament, while fans in the UK can expect more daily live coverage and additional kick-off slots throughout June and July due to the competition being hosted across North America.
Where Can I See the Full World Cup 2026 Schedule?
You can find the latest fixtures, kick-off times and live TV channels in the schedule at the top of this page. The listings are updated whenever new broadcast details or fixture changes are officially confirmed.