BBC to Broadcast Live World Cup Qualifiers for Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland

The BBC has secured a landmark deal with Uefa to broadcast all World Cup qualifiers for the men's teams of Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland live. This agreement encompasses a total of 41 live matches, including friendlies and Scotland's Nations League play-off against Greece later this month.

Expanded Coverage for Football Fans

The 2026 World Cup, set to feature 48 teams, will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This expanded format offers more opportunities for teams to qualify and adds to the excitement for fans. The BBC's coverage ensures that supporters across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland can follow their teams' journey to the tournament without missing a beat.

A Historic Opportunity

Scotland last reached the World Cup finals in 1998, while Northern Ireland has not participated since 1986. Wales ended their 64-year wait by qualifying for the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022. With the BBC's new deal, all home nations' World Cup qualifiers will be available on free-to-air television, with ITV covering England's matches.

Exciting March Fixtures

The BBC's live coverage kicks off with a series of high-stakes matches in March:

• Thursday, 20 March: Greece v Scotland (Nations League)
• Friday, 21 March: Northern Ireland v Switzerland (friendly)
• Saturday, 22 March: Wales v Kazakhstan (World Cup qualifier)
• Sunday, 23 March: Scotland v Greece (Nations League)
• Tuesday, 25 March: Sweden v Northern Ireland (friendly), North Macedonia v Wales (World Cup qualifier)

Enhanced Viewing Experience

Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director of BBC Nations, expressed his enthusiasm for the new deal: 'I'm absolutely delighted that fans across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will now be able to enjoy live, free-to-air coverage of all the big international football matches. Nothing fires the imagination more than live international sport and the race to qualify for the world's biggest tournament. It's going to be quite a ride, and I'm thrilled the BBC will be there every step of the way.'

Matches will be broadcast on BBC One in each nation and on BBC iPlayer, with key fixtures also available on network television across the UK. This coverage complements the existing live international broadcasts on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Cymru, and the BBC Sport app.

Stay Connected

Football fans can stay updated with the latest news and live coverage through the BBC Sport app and various BBC radio channels. This comprehensive coverage ensures that no moment of the action is missed as the teams vie for a place in the 2026 World Cup.