The BBC has agreed an exclusive deal to broadcast Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland men’s international football matches in the run-up to the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.

The deal, agreed with UEFA, includes 41 live matches over the next 15 months – starting with this month’s international ties.

It’s the first time the BBC has secured live television rights for all three of the UK’s devolved nations.

The matches will be shown on BBC1 in each nation as well as BBC iPlayer, with key fixtures also being broadcast on network television across the UK.

The deal adds to the BBC’s existing live international coverage on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Cymru and the BBC Sport app.

In Wales, live match coverage will be available in both English and Welsh.

Rhodri Talfan Davies, director of BBC Nations, said: “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.”

Meanwhile, S4C has announced it will live broadcast all the Wales men’s team matches during the European Qualifiers to the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.

The confirmation comes as a result of this new rights agreement between UEFA and the BBC, which will ensure that the games will continue with Welsh commentary on S4C.

Geraint Evans, Chief Executive of S4C said: “We are proud to be able to continue showing these games live, building on years of broadcasting international football of the highest quality on S4C.

“S4C is the home of Welsh football from grassroots to the top, and we are proud of the special relationship we have with the supporters of Y Wal Goch and the Football Association of Wales (FAW). With the excitement of the campaign to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup about to begin, it’s great to confirm that fans will be able to continue to enjoy the passion of our Welsh commentators live across S4C platforms.”