The conclusion of the 2026 World Cup leaves many fans facing a significant void this weekend. In the UK, ITV broadcast approximately 275 hours of live coverage during the tournament, making the absence of such extensive programming particularly noticeable.
However, there is no need to despair. With the football festivities behind us, various alternatives are available to distract us from the chaotic world we live in. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the post-World Cup landscape.
If You Miss Sport
The positive news is that while the World Cup has wrapped up, the Commonwealth Games have commenced in Glasgow, featuring a variety of sports such as swimming, netball, boxing, gymnastics, and bowls. Unfortunately, these events will only be summarized in a single hour of highlights on Channel 5 at 10:30 PM, as TNT holds the broadcasting rights, requiring a subscription for access.
The situation is similar for the Tour de France, following the end of ITV’s 24-year coverage of the event.
If you’re looking for traditional, free-to-air sports on television, your options are limited. There is a rugby league match on Two this afternoon and some cricket scheduled for tomorrow, but for today, tuning into ITV4 is your best bet. The channel features highlights of a December 1979 match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at 6:20 AM, world rally highlights at 7:20 AM, racing at Ascot at 9:30 AM, followed by Formula E. To cap it off, Sean Bean will appear in Sharpe this afternoon, and Tom Cruise, who delivered the opening remarks at the World Cup final, will be featured in Top Gun at 10:05 PM.
That’s essentially the same experience as the World Cup, right? Right?
If You Miss Feeling Part of Something Big
A great alternative is to watch The Odyssey. Christopher Nolan’s latest film is breaking box office records, and tickets in his preferred 70mm IMAX format are in high demand.
In many ways, it resembles the World Cup. It’s loud, lengthy, and thrilling, generating plenty of discussion topics to get worked up about (where were the Phaeacians? What happened to the romance? What was Nolan thinking by incorporating Judeo-Christian themes into an ancient narrative that culminates in a violent orgy of vengeance?).
It fundamentally tells the story of a man reflecting on a past era of intense tribalism with a newfound sense of regret, capturing the essence of the post-World Cup sentiment perfectly.
If You Miss Staying Up Late
If you’ve grown accustomed to staying on American time during the tournament, you might find it challenging to adjust back. If that sounds familiar, there are options to maintain your nocturnal schedule. Netflix subscribers can catch WWE SummerSlam starting at 11 PM BST on August 1, which will last several hours. Additionally, the San Diego Comic-Con is happening tonight, running on California time, offering the chance to stay up late refreshing social media for exciting new trailers.
Alternatively, the Delta Aquariid meteor shower is expected to peak on the night of July 30. While visibility from the UK isn’t guaranteed, it’s better than going to bed early.
If You Miss Hydration Breaks
Make sure to drink something. Urinary tract infections are quite uncomfortable, especially during this season. You might also want to watch an advertisement, just to capture the full FIFA experience.
If You Miss All the Speculation
A significant part of the World Cup’s enjoyment is the endless guessing and speculation that accompanies it. Fortunately, the current British political landscape is ripe for this kind of engagement. We have a new prime minister, providing ample material for amateur analysis. Is Angela Rayner being miscast? Does Ed Miliband still have what it takes for international diplomacy? How many underwhelming performances will it require before the public demands yet another managerial change?
Even more exciting, the Clacton byelection is on the horizon, presenting a perfect opportunity for an office sweepstake. Who will you draw from the 34 candidates? Binface? Farage? Baron Von Thunderclap? Abi Hookway from Channel 5’s Rich House Poor House? Woke Trump Carrzee? Laurence Fox? What thrilling possibilities await.
If You Specifically Miss Watching Male Football World Cups Hosted by the US
There’s good news on that front. Reports have emerged that Donald Trump is interested in having America host the 2038 World Cup. By that time, he would be serving his fifth term as president. What a prospect.
