The biggest football tournament in history is just around the corner — and this summer’s World Cup is shaping up to be unlike anything we’ve seen before. Here’s your complete guide to what’s happening, who’s going, and how to watch.
A Tournament of Firsts
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a historic milestone — the first tournament to be jointly hosted by three nations and the first to feature an expanded field of 48 teams. It runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026, across 16 stadiums in Canada, Mexico and the USA, with a total of 104 games.
The opening match takes place at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on 11 June, with Mexico facing South Africa, and the final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on 19 July.
Who’s In — and Who’s Out
The full 48-team line-up is now confirmed, with DR Congo and Iraq the last two nations to book their places, following wins over Jamaica and Bolivia respectively.
The big shock from the European play-offs? Four-time winners Italy were knocked out by Bosnia-Herzegovina. It’s a third consecutive World Cup that the Azzurri will be watching from home — a stunning fall from grace for one of the sport’s most decorated nations.
Among the more uplifting qualification stories, Curaçao became the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup. Meanwhile, DR Congo ended a 52-year wait for World Cup football, while Iraq return to the tournament for the first time in four decades.
England and Scotland: What to Expect
Both home nations are heading to North America this summer. England have been drawn in a group alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama, while Scotland face Morocco, Haiti and Brazil.
Squad speculation is already in full swing, with BBC Sport’s chief football writer Phil McNulty publishing his preferred 26-man England squad. His picks include Jordan Pickford, Reece James, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall — though manager Thomas Tuchel will have the final say when squads must be submitted by 30 May.
How to Watch in the UK
Good news for fans: every single game is free to watch. ITV Sport and BBC Sport will share coverage of the entire tournament, bringing UK audiences every major moment from the first whistle to the last.
ITV will broadcast England’s first group match against Croatia, live from Dallas on Wednesday 17 June, kicking off at 9pm UK time, as well as their final group game against Panama. BBC Sport will show England’s second group match against Ghana, with the potential last-32, last-16 and semi-final matches also on the BBC.
Scotland’s group match against Morocco will air at 11pm UK time on 19 June, live on ITV.
You can stream every match via BBC iPlayer or ITVX — no subscription needed.
Why This One Feels Different
With 48 teams, three host nations, 104 matches and a new round of 32 introduced to the knockout stage, this is football on a scale we’ve genuinely never seen. Star-studded squads, surprise qualifiers, a heartbroken Italy, and both England and Scotland in the mix — the 2026 World Cup has all the ingredients for a truly unforgettable summer. You can still get tickets here.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June – 19 July. All matches are free to watch on BBC and ITV.