The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest football tournament ever staged, marking a historic moment in the history of the game. For the first time, the World Cup will feature 48 national teams and will be hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
This expansion means more matches, more teams, more host cities and unprecedented global coverage. Football fans in the United Kingdom will be able to follow the tournament closely, with live TV broadcasts, official streaming options and comprehensive match schedules.
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the World Cup 2026, including key dates, tournament format, host nations, qualified teams (as they are confirmed) and where to watch every match live on TV in the UK.
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When is the World Cup 2026?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place during June and July 2026, following the traditional summer schedule. Exact match dates and kick-off times will be confirmed closer to the tournament and will be updated on this site as soon as official information becomes available.
All listed kick-off times on FootballOnTV.uk are shown in UK local time for convenience.
Host Countries and Cities
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Matches will be played across multiple cities in North America, using modern stadiums specifically selected to host World Cup fixtures. This will be the first time in history that three countries jointly host a men’s World Cup, making the tournament truly continental in scale.
Each host nation will stage group matches and knockout games, giving fans worldwide the opportunity to experience football in a wide variety of iconic venues.
World Cup 2026 Tournament Format
For the first time, the World Cup will feature 48 teams, expanded from the previous 32-team format.
Key format highlights include:
- 48 national teams
- Group stage followed by an expanded knockout phase
- A total of 104 matches
- More opportunities for nations from all confederations to qualify
This new structure increases the number of matches and ensures a longer, more competitive tournament, giving fans more football than ever before.
Teams and Qualification
Teams from all six FIFA confederations will qualify for the World Cup 2026 through continental qualification tournaments.
The host nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — qualify automatically, while remaining places are decided through regional qualifiers and inter-confederation playoffs.
As teams qualify, FootballOnTV.uk will publish dedicated pages for each nation, including:
- Fixtures and kick-off times
- TV coverage in the UK
- Streaming options for each match
You can already view a dedicated page for England at the World Cup 2026, featuring confirmed group stage fixtures, UK kick-off times and up-to-date TV coverage information.
Where to Watch the World Cup 2026 on TV in the UK
World Cup 2026 matches will be broadcast live on official UK TV channels and streaming platforms. Broadcaster details will be confirmed closer to the tournament, once rights holders announce full coverage plans.
World Cup 2026 matches will be broadcast live on official UK TV channels and streaming platforms. For full details, including kick-off times and confirmed listings, see our complete World Cup 2026 TV schedule for the UK.
This page will be updated regularly with:
- Confirmed UK TV channels
- Live streaming options
- Match schedules with UK kick-off times
To compare official platforms ahead of time, you can also visit our complete guide to the best football streaming services in the UK, where we analyse legal and reliable ways to watch live football.
World Cup Matches on TV – Live Listings
As soon as the official World Cup 2026 match schedule is released, this page will feature:
- Daily match listings
- Group stage and knockout fixtures
- Clear TV channel information for UK viewers
You’ll be able to see exactly which World Cup matches are on TV today, tomorrow or this weekend, all in one place.
Useful Football TV Guides
To help you follow football year-round, you may also find these pages useful:
- Football on TV Today – live matches being shown today in the UK
- Football on TV Tomorrow – upcoming fixtures and channels
- Football on TV This Weekend – full weekend TV schedules
- Football Teams on TV in the UK – dedicated pages for clubs and national teams
These guides are updated automatically to ensure accuracy throughout the season.
World Cup 2026 FAQs
When does the World Cup 2026 start?
The tournament will take place in June 2026, with the final scheduled for July 2026.
Where is the World Cup 2026 being played?
The competition will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
How many teams are in the World Cup 2026?
A total of 48 national teams will compete, making it the largest World Cup ever.
Where can I watch World Cup 2026 matches in the UK?
Matches will be shown on official UK broadcasters and streaming platforms. Full TV listings will be published closer to the tournament.
Will kick-off times be shown in UK time?
Yes. All match times on FootballOnTV.uk are displayed in UK local time for clarity.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be the most ambitious football tournament ever organised. With more teams, more matches and more host cities, it will deliver non-stop football action for fans around the world.
FootballOnTV.uk will provide comprehensive coverage of the tournament, helping UK viewers find out where to watch every World Cup 2026 match live on TV.
📌 Bookmark this page and check back regularly — it will be updated as soon as new information is officially confirmed.