BBC Secures Broadcast Rights for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland World Cup Qualifiers

Football fans across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will have free-to-air access to their national teams’ World Cup qualifiers, thanks to a new deal between the BBC and UEFA. The agreement covers 41 matches, ensuring widespread availability of international football for viewers.

Full Coverage for National Teams

The deal guarantees live coverage of all competitive matches involving the men’s teams from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This includes:

• World Cup qualifiers leading up to the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• International friendlies, offering fans year-round access to key games.
• Scotland’s Nations League play-off against Greece later this month, a crucial match in their campaign.

Where to Watch

Matches will be broadcast on BBC One in each respective nation and streamed via BBC iPlayer. Selected high-profile games will also air on BBC network television across the UK, extending access to a wider audience.

BBC Nations director Rhodri Talfan Davies welcomed the agreement, saying: “Nothing fires the imagination more than live international sport and the race to qualify for the world’s biggest tournament. I’m thrilled the BBC will be there every step of the way.”

Expanding FIFA World Cup Brings Added Excitement

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, increasing the chances for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to qualify. This new coverage ensures fans can closely follow their teams’ journeys through each stage of the competition.

The BBC’s commitment to international football extends beyond television, with additional coverage available through BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Scotland, and BBC Radio Cymru, as well as the BBC Sport app.