BBC and ITV Announce Round of 16 UK Broadcast Picks at 2026 World Cup

BBC and ITV have officially confirmed their UK broadcast selections across the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Like in the Round of 32, BBC held the first overall pick and selected England’s blockbuster showdown at the Estadio Azteca against tournament co-hosts, Mexico, which is scheduled for 1am UK Time on Monday 6 July.

BBC however will commence their coverage of the Round of 16 with Paraguay’s encounter against France on Saturday 4 July at 10pm BST, as the Paraguayans seek to cause a second cupset after they stunned Germany on penalties.

The Iberian derby between Portugal and Spain will also be live on BBC One as the two European contenders meet in Arlington, Texas, USA, on Monday 6 July at 8pm BST.

BBC also held the last pick and were left with USA’s meeting against Belgium, which is scheduled for 1am BST on Tuesday 7 July.

ITV will kick off the UK coverage of the Round of 16 action as they broadcast Canada’s clash against Morocco at NRG Stadium, Houston, on Saturday 4 July at 6pm BST.

ITV’s headline pick sees Brazil meet Norway in a massive showdown at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA, on Sunday 5 July at 9pm BST, as the five-time champions look to avoid a surprise exit against a Norwegian team spearheaded by Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland.

Like in the Round of 32, ITV will again have the last two matches of the round on Tuesday 7 July, starting with Argentina’s meeting against Egypt at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA, in a 5pm BST kick-off.

Switzerland will then bring the round to its conclusion at 9pm BST on 7 July as they face Colombia at BC Place, Vancouver, Canada.