World Cup 2026: knockout stage TV guide
The group stage is done, the knockout rounds are here, and every match is free to watch on BBC One or ITV in the UK. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where to watch
Every knockout stage match at World Cup 2026 is being shown live and free on BBC One or ITV1 — no subscription required. Both broadcasters are also streaming live on BBC iPlayer and ITVX, so you can follow every match on your phone, tablet, or laptop if you’re away from the TV.
Coverage typically starts around 30 minutes before kick-off, with pre-match analysis, line-ups, and build-up on both channels. Highlights programmes run in the evenings on both BBC and ITV for anyone who misses the live action.
The format from here
World Cup 2026 is the first tournament to feature 48 teams, which means the knockout stage begins with a Round of 32 — 16 matches before progressing to the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final on 19th July.
With two matches per day at this stage, BBC and ITV split the fixtures between them. Generally, the higher-profile match of the day is allocated to BBC One, though both broadcasters are giving all fixtures full live coverage.
Kick-off times
Knockout stage matches are played across three slots to accommodate the North American host cities:
How to follow every match
As fixtures are confirmed, Watchsport updates automatically with the correct channel, kick-off time, and match details for every game. Save any fixture to your watchlist so nothing slips past you across a busy schedule of knockout football.
Keep track of every knockout stage fixture
Open Watchsport →What to look forward to
With 48 teams, the expanded format brings more variety than ever — potential giant-killings, unexpected group winners, and draws that can throw top seeds together earlier than expected. England, France, Spain, and Brazil are among the sides expected to navigate the early rounds, but the format creates more opportunities for upsets than any previous World Cup.
The quarter-finals and beyond are when the tournament truly ignites. From this stage, 90 minutes isn’t always enough.
Match details correct at time of publication. Kick-off times and channel allocations are subject to change — check the Watchsport app for the latest confirmed schedule.