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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Harry Latham-Coyle

ITV to show opening game of 2026 World Cup as UK TV schedule confirmed

World Cup United Kingdom England Mexico Scotland Croatia South Africa Brazil Canada Haiti
Mark Pougatch has been a key part of ITV’s broadcasting team - (Getty Images)

ITV will show the opening game of the 2026 Fifa World Cup in the United Kingdom — but the BBC will show the bulk of England’s knockout fixtures should Thomas Tuchel’s side progress.

The two free-to-air broadcasters will again share coverage of the tournament, with ITV taking the rights to the encounter between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on Thursday 11 June, a repeat of the opening game from the 2010 World Cup.

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