World Cup 2026: UK broadcast schedule and match results as semi-finals approach
The BBC, ITV, and STV retain free-to-air coverage of the 2026 World Cup, with the final set for Sunday in New York.
The 2026 World Cup is entering its decisive phase, with the final scheduled for Sunday in New York. Throughout the tournament, all matches have been accessible to UK audiences via free-to-air television, with coverage shared between the BBC, ITV, and STV in Scotland. The logistical challenge of broadcasting a North American tournament has required European viewers to accommodate early morning kick-offs for earlier rounds, though the semi-finals and final have been allocated more conventional evening slots.
The two semi-finals are both scheduled to commence at 8pm BST. The BBC will broadcast the clash between England and Argentina, while ITV will cover the match between France and Spain. These four nations currently occupy the top four positions in the FIFA rankings, setting the stage for a high-stakes conclusion to the competition.
Progression to the semi-finals was determined through a series of knockout matches that tested the resilience of the participating teams. In the quarter-finals, England defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time, while Argentina secured a 3-1 victory over Switzerland, also after extra time. These results followed a Round of 32 that saw several matches decided by penalty shootouts or narrow margins.
The Round of 32 results included Germany drawing 1-1 with Paraguay before losing 3-4 on penalties, and the Netherlands drawing 1-1 with Morocco, losing 2-3 on penalties. Australia also exited on penalties, drawing 1-1 with Egypt before losing 2-4 in the shootout. Other notable results included the USA’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Argentina’s 3-2 win against Cape Verde after extra time, and Switzerland’s 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Colombia.
Earlier stages of the tournament saw the Czech Republic draw 1-1 with South Africa in Group A, and Switzerland defeat Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 in Group B. As the tournament moves toward its conclusion in New York, the focus remains on the institutional delivery of the event and the broadcast arrangements that have kept the competition accessible to the public.
