BBC extends broadcast deal for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Short overview
The BBC has extended its rights agreement with UEFA to broadcast men's international matches for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland until June 2028.
The BBC has extended its rights agreement with UEFA, ensuring that men's international matches for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will remain live and free-to-air until June 2028. The broadcaster will show approximately 60 live matches over the next two years, including this autumn's Nations League fixtures and the qualifying matches for Euro 2028 involving the three teams.
Coverage and Platforms
Every match will continue to be available across all BBC platforms, including BBC television, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Sounds. The BBC has been the home of international football for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland since March 2025, when it secured full live rights for all three of the UK's devolved nations for the first time.
Record Audiences
Since securing the rights, the BBC has registered record audiences during qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Scotland's decisive win over Denmark attracted 1.1 million viewers in Scotland and an average of 2.7 million across the UK. Wales' play-off semi-final with Bosnia-Herzegovina drew an audience of 1.71 million across the UK, with 280,000 in Wales. Northern Ireland's qualifier against Germany attracted 1.11 million UK-wide, including 121,000 in Northern Ireland.
BBC coverage of the World Cup has also resulted in record numbers for the BBC Sport app, live streams, podcasts, and social media content.
Quotes from BBC Executives
Rhuanedd Richards, interim director of BBC Nations, said: "These fixtures bring communities together and deliver some of the biggest shared moments in our sporting calendar. We're proud to continue telling these stories and showcasing our nations' teams."
Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC Director of Sport, added: "International football creates moments that unite communities, sparks national pride and generates huge audiences across every platform. Audiences can be sure the BBC will be there for every crucial moment on the road to Uefa Euro 2028."
Euro 2028 Context
Euro 2028 will take place across nine stadiums in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, and will be shown live across BBC platforms.
More on these topics
Uefa set to drop Fifa boycott threat after assurances
Uefa is expected to lift its threat of boycotting Fifa competitions after receiving assurances that plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors will not be revived. The decision, to be discussed at Thursday's executive committee meeting, would allow the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland to proceed.
Wafcon 2026: Cameroon's Upset Victory Signals Shift in African
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations saw Cameroon claim their first title with upset wins over Nigeria and Morocco, while Malawi reached the final. Experts discuss what this changing of the guard means for the sport's future.
Football Daily: Danny Webber's Career Claims Put to the Test
In this week's Football Daily, former Premier League striker Danny Webber faces scrutiny as hosts Karel Prince and Anita Abayomi investigate three outlandish stories from his career, including fingerprint access at Sheffield United and a nickname from Avram Grant.

Norway top FIFA ranking climbers after 2026 World Cup
Norway made the biggest jump in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking after the 2026 World Cup, climbing 12 places to 19th after reaching the quarter-finals. FIFA's review highlights other notable movers since 1994, including Ukraine's 30-place rise in 2006.

