What Lincolnshire fans need to know about the 2026 World Cup TV schedule and ticket costs

Football supporters in Lincolnshire following plans for the 2026 World Cup may be looking closely at reported fixture times, television coverage and ticket prices. According to reporting by The Telegraph, England are due to begin their group stage campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, 17 June at 9pm UK time, with the match shown on ITV. The same report says England’s second group game, against Ghana, is scheduled for Tuesday, 23 June at 9pm on BBC. The report adds that England then face Panama on Saturday, 27 June at 10pm on ITV. BBC and ITV are expected to share live coverage of the tournament, according to the same source. For supporters in Lincoln, Grantham, Boston, Skegness and elsewhere in Lincolnshire, those reported kick-off times would place England’s opening matches in the evening rather than the early hours of the morning. The Telegraph also reported that Scotland’s group games include earlier UK kick-off times. The final is reported to be scheduled for Sunday, 19 July at 10pm UK time, with coverage on both BBC and ITV. The same report said there would also be a digital element, with the first 10 minutes of every game streamed live on YouTube alongside a selection of full matches. The Lincoln Post has not independently verified these claims. Ticket prices have also been a talking point ahead of the tournament. The Telegraph reported criticism from fan groups over the cost of attending matches, with estimates that following a team from the opening game to the final could cost thousands of pounds. According to that report, one estimate put the minimum cost at $6,900, which it said was about £5,143. It also said Fifa had stated that a lower band of £45 tickets would be available, but only for a limited number of seats. Beyond that, the same report listed higher prices for later rounds, including £686 for a semi-final and £3,119 for the final for the cheapest available tickets in those stages. The Lincoln Post has not independently verified these claims. For Lincolnshire supporters considering travel, those reported figures may help indicate the potential cost of attending in person. For others in the county, the focus is likely to remain on the published broadcast arrangements and kick-off times. The Telegraph further reported that there is still another ticket sales phase to come. It said the final stage of sales is due to begin in April, when any remaining tickets would go on general sale through Fifa’s ticket portal on a first come, first served basis. The Lincoln Post has not independently verified these claims. This article is based on reporting first published by The Telegraph.