The BBC have the rights to show England’s World Cup round-of-32 tie against DR Congo on Wednesday, and the broadcaster had a key decision to make
Viewers identified a potential headache for the BBC mere hours into their 2026 Wimbledon coverage. The Championships have returned, marking a crucial year for the broadcaster following reports that the All England Club has urged them to enhance their coverage of the event.
Should they fall short, the BBC risks losing the broadcasting rights to tennis’ most prestigious tournament in the future — something the corporation’s top brass simply cannot afford. Yet they’ve already been handed a scheduling nightmare, with England’s World Cup round-of-32 tie set to coincide with prime-time tennis action.
Having topped their group, England’s football side will now face DR Congo in the round of 32 at 5pm on Wednesday.
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This created a dilemma for the BBC, as it falls to them to broadcast the match, given ITV secured the rights to two of England’s three group stage encounters.
The clash has left viewers baffled about which event the BBC would prioritise, with some speculating that the World Cup match might not even feature on the BBC’s flagship channels.
@WelsbyElton posted on X: “I sincerely hope I’m wrong here but as far as I can see England vs DR Congo on Wednesday at 5pm is on BBCiPlayer.
“The two main channels are showing Wimbledon. It’s not ITV’s turn to show England. Surely they must alter the schedules. If not it is scandalous.”
The BBC themselves were quick to set the record straight, responding: “Happy to reassure you that this game – and all Round of 32 BBC matches – can be watched on BBC One and/or BBC iPlayer.”
The mix-up appeared to arise from television guides still listing Wimbledon as the sole broadcast event as of Monday morning, though this was felt to be down to schedules not yet having been updated.
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Either way, the BBC needed to do some reshuffling to ensure all the necessary coverage is in place. Wednesday’s Wimbledon schedule is yet to be confirmed, as it comprises second-round matches.
The Championships got underway on Monday and are set to continue for the next fortnight.
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