Where to Watch World Cup 2026 in United Kingdom
Quick answer: All 104 matches in the UK are free — BBC and ITV share rights, broadcasting on BBC One/Two and ITV1, with full streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
Kick-off times shown in Europe/London.
🏆 The 2026 World Cup is over — Spain beat Argentina 1–0 after extra time in the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19. This page stays live as an archive.
The 2026/27 club season is here
Leagues Cup kicks off August 4, the Premier League returns August 21, and Europe's top leagues follow. Get ready:
Free-to-Air TV
| Service | Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| BBC OneFree | Free (TV licence required) | Half of all matches incl. opener, England matches and final |
| ITV1Free | Free | Half of all matches incl. England fixtures and knockouts |
Free Streaming
| Service | Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| BBC iPlayerFree | Free (TV licence required) | Live + on-demand for every BBC match |
| ITVXFree | Free with ads | Live + on-demand for every ITV match |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the World Cup 2026 free to watch in the UK?▼
Yes. The World Cup is a 'crown jewel' event under UK law, meaning it must air on free-to-air TV. BBC and ITV share all 104 matches between them, free to anyone with a TV licence.
Can I watch the World Cup 2026 on my phone in the UK?▼
Yes — BBC iPlayer and ITVX both stream every match live to mobile, tablet and smart TV apps. Both are free; iPlayer requires a TV licence, ITVX requires a free account.