The World Cup Is Here
11 June to 19 July 2026. The biggest tournament in history kicks off tonight, and the whole country is about to go football mad.
It finally landed. After two years of qualifiers and a winter of arguing about who should and should not be on the plane, the 2026 World Cup gets going today. Hosts Mexico open the whole thing against South Africa at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the first ball rolling at around 8pm UK time tonight. From that moment we have 39 days, 48 nations and 104 matches to get through, which is more football than any tournament has ever served up.
For us in Britain there is a lovely twist this year. Both England and Scotland are at the party, and Scotland are back on the biggest stage for the first time in nearly three decades. So whether you are an England regular, a member of the Tartan Army or simply someone who fancies a flag on their head for the summer, this is your quick guide to the fixtures and, more importantly, what to wear while you cheer.
📺 Good news for the wallet
Every single one of the 104 matches is free to watch in the UK across the BBC and ITV, with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. There is nothing to pay and no subscription to chase. The only catch is the clock. Because the games are spread across North America, kick offs land anywhere from early evening to the small hours, so a few late nights are on the cards.
🇬🇧 For the Whole Household
Not fussed about one nation, or kitting out the whole family? The Union Jack pieces are the safe bet, and they carry on long after the final whistle for festivals, holidays and summer days out.
A quick word on the reversible bucket hat, because it is quietly the cleverest buy of the lot. Union Jack on one side, plain on the other, so it works at the match and then blends straight into your normal summer wardrobe. If you missed it, the story behind our ten pound Union Jack bucket hat is worth a read too.
🛒 Shop by Nation
Pick your side and get sorted before the first whistle. Everything ships from the UK.
Get the hat on before the anthem 🎉
Tournaments like this come around once every four years, and the good stuff has a habit of selling out the moment England or Scotland score. If you have been meaning to grab a hat, today is the day to do it so it arrives in time for the group games. Pop the kettle on, set a few late alarms for the Scotland matches, and enjoy the best summer of football we have had in years.
Come on England. Come on Scotland. Let the World Cup begin. ⚽
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