From An Evening With Gary Lineker to Dear England: what to watch to warm up to the World Cup | Television

THey I think it’s all on your TV. It’s now. When the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off Thursday night, it will rule the small schedule for just over a month. Lovers of beautiful games will be delighted. Naysayers less so. But what can we watch while waiting for the soccer ball to catch on? Here are our strong XI videos, videos and articles for you to enjoy…

Equality – 1966 World Cup Final in Color (Channel 4)

David Baddiel shows full footage of England’s 4-2 win over West Germany to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. Hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst reflects on the iconic game 60 years ago and remembers his teammates who suffered from dementia.

Drama – Dear England (BBC iPlayer)

Joseph Fiennes replaces James Graham in his award-winning performance in Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate’s best bid to overcome a years-long injury woes. Bring beards, waistcoats and inflatable unicorns.

Notes – Kevin Bridges: The Hunt for the Beautiful Game (BBC iPlayer)

Ahead of Scotland’s first title in the competition for 28 years, in a heartfelt travelogue Clydebank artist Kevin Bridges travels to Brazil and the US to question whether the game has lost its soul.

Movie – Saipan (Prime Video/BFI Player)

Steve Coogan stars in the famous 2002 World Cup showdown between Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and fiery captain Roy Keane (Éanna Hardwicke). “Strap on your bullets” indeed.

Play – An Evening With Gary Lineker (YouTube)

ITV’s hilarious adaptation of Arthur Smith and Chris England’s drama, it’s set on a family’s summer vacation against the backdrop of Italy’s ’90 championship. Also check out the Euro ’96-themed sequel My Summer With Des.

Comedy – Twenty Twenty Six (BBC iPlayer)

Hugh Bonneville directs the FIFA drama as a former BBC pundit who joins the world’s biggest sporting event as “director of integrity”. Corporate culture and soccer-savvy Americans are gently mocked. So that’s all good.

Moving on from the chaos of France’s 2010 campaign in South Africa, this jaw-dropping film explores the rebellion and rebellion that led to Raymond Domenech’s Les Bleus publicly refusing to train together. Zut alors, guys.

Video – Mike Bassett: England manager (big movie)

Cult 2001 “soccumentary” featuring Ricky Tomlinson as an unhinged gaffer leading a hapless team to the World Cup in Brazil, determined to play “four-four-fucking-two”. Any resemblance to Graham “Turnip” Taylor is purely speculative. Don’t I like that?

Drama – This is England ’86 (Channel 4)

Shane Meadows’ first television movie was set in Mexico ’86. Cue Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal and kick on Sheffield’s Park Hill estate. After that part This is England ’90 led to the race in Italy.

Notes – The Game of Their Lives (YouTube)

At the 1966 tournament, North Korea won hearts by defeating group favorites Italy and taking a 3-0 lead against Portugal in the quarter-finals. This 2002 film chronicles their incredible success and follows the seven remaining players, who are still national champions.

Video – Run to Victory (Sky/Now/Prime Video)

World War II + soccer = the ultimate rainy day movie. Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine and the real Pelé form a united PoW team to take on Nazi Germany in John Huston’s epic football revival.