BBC Secures Live Broadcast Rights for NI, Scotland, and Wales Internationals Until 2028
A UK-wide audience of 1.11 million viewers tuned in for Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Germany.
Northern Ireland's forthcoming Nations League campaign and EURO 2028 qualifiers will be broadcast live on the BBC. This follows a free-to-air agreement between the broadcaster and Uefa, extending the current deal until June 2028. The agreement also includes Scotland and Wales internationals, reinforcing the BBC's commitment to making international football accessible to all.
Leading up to the 2028 Uefa European Championship, which will be hosted by the UK and the Republic of Ireland, approximately 60 live matches involving the three nations will be available. The tournament itself will also be broadcast live on the BBC.
This extension builds on a highly successful partnership that has established the BBC as the home of international football for Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales since the initial deal was signed in March 2025. Live coverage is accessible via BBC television, BBC , and .
Audience figures demonstrate strong interest in live international football. An average UK-wide audience of 1.11 million watched Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Germany, with 121,000 viewers in Northern Ireland alone. Additionally, Wales' exit and Scotland's dramatic qualification victory over Denmark attracted audiences exceeding one million. Scotland's recent World Cup opener against Haiti reached a peak audience of 2.8 million viewers on BBC One and , despite a 02:00 BST kick-off.
"Extending this agreement is fantastic news for football fans across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ensuring every match is available live and free-to-air on the BBC," said Rhuanedd Richards, Interim Director of BBC Nations.
"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, Director of , added:
"International football creates moments that unite communities, spark national pride and generate huge audiences across every platform.
"We're delighted to extend our partnership with Uefa and continue bringing every Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland men's international match to fans free-to-air.
"Whether watching on television, streaming on or following through the website, app or our social channels, audiences can be sure the BBC will be there for every crucial moment on the road to Uefa Euro 2028."
BBC coverage of the FIFA World Cup continues throughout the tournament, including Scotland's match against Brazil scheduled for this evening at 23:00 BST on BBC One and BBC .
