The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest events in sport, and the 2026 tournament will be the biggest yet.
It will take place across three countries, with 48 teams competing, so there will be plenty of matches to watch.
Here’s how start watching on Freeview.
What is the best Freeview device to watch the World Cup on?
- You can watch on any TV or set-top box with Freeview.
- Most modern TVs have Freeview built in, so you can watch without extra equipment.
- If your TV doesn’t have Freeview, you can use a Freeview set-top box or recorder.
If you’re looking a new Freeview device to watch the World Cup on try visiting our Products pages for guidance on what’s available.
What channels will the games be on?
FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be shown free-to-air in the UK.
You’ll be able to watch across:
- BBC One and BBC Two
- ITV1 and sometimes ITV4
- STV in Scotland
You can also stream matches live and on demand via the below players on internet connected devices:
- BBC iPlayer
- ITVX
- STV Player (in Scotland)
How will I know when matches are on?
You can find match times in a few ways:
- Check the TV Guide on your Freeview TV or box
- Use the online TV Guide on the Freeview website
- Browse the channel listings for BBC and ITV schedules
What if I need help getting set up?
You can find support for on the Help section of our website, check it out for, step-by-step setup guides, retuning instructions, and fixes for most common issues.
You can also check coverage in your area on our Channel Checker, or find troubleshooting tips if channels are missing or not working via our handy Problems Watching Freeview tool.