Wales’ road to the 2026 World Cup will be broadcast live on BBC Cymru Wales in a historic TV deal

For the first time in two decades, every Wales men’s international match will be available on free-to-air television. BBC Cymru Wales has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for Wales’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, ensuring fans can follow every moment without paying for a subscription.

Craig Bellamy has made a commanding start as Wales’ head coach, leading the team to an unbeaten Nations League campaign and securing promotion to the competition’s top tier. With his sights now set on guiding Wales to their second consecutive World Cup, BBC cameras will capture all the action.

The agreement also includes live coverage of Scotland and Northern Ireland’s international fixtures, marking the first time the BBC has held full broadcasting rights for all three of the UK’s devolved nations.

Wales will begin their qualification journey on 22 March against Kazakhstan at Cardiff City Stadium. The match will air live on BBC One Wales, BBC Three, and S4C. The team is competing in Group J alongside Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein, with the ultimate goal of securing a place in the tournament, set to take place across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Fans will have access to every game, including a friendly against Canada in Swansea on 9 September, as well as a high-profile showdown with England at Wembley in October. All matches will be broadcast on BBC One Wales, offering unprecedented free access to the national team’s journey.

Rhuanedd Richards, director of BBC Cymru Wales, expressed excitement about the deal, emphasising the importance of making international football widely accessible. She stated that bringing Wales’ matches to free-to-air television was a vital step in strengthening the connection between the team and its supporters.

Football Association of Wales (FAW) CEO Noel Mooney described the agreement as a huge win for Welsh football, ensuring that every fan can follow the team’s journey without financial barriers. With Craig Bellamy at the helm and the team’s Nations League success providing a potential safety net for qualification, optimism is high.

As Wales prepares for the challenges ahead, supporters will now have the chance to witness every crucial moment live, making this one of the most accessible World Cup campaigns in the nation’s history.