The conclusion of the 2026 World Cup has left fans grappling with an empty weekend ahead. In the UK, ITV provided around 275 hours of live coverage throughout the tournament, and the absence of such extensive sports programming will undoubtedly be felt.
However, there’s no need to panic. Although the football action has wrapped up, numerous alternatives are available to distract us from the chaotic world outside. Here’s a helpful guide to navigate this sports-less weekend.
If You Miss Sport
The bright side is that the Commonwealth Games have started in Glasgow, offering a variety of sports to enjoy, including swimming, netball, boxing, gymnastics, and bowls. Unfortunately, all the excitement will be condensed into a single hour of highlights on Channel 5 at 10:30 PM, as TNT has acquired the rights, requiring a subscription for full access.
The same situation applies to the Tour de France, following the end of ITV’s 24-year coverage.
If you’re looking for traditional, free-to-air sports, your options are limited. There’s a rugby league match on Channel Two this afternoon and some cricket tomorrow, but otherwise, your best bet is to tune into ITV4 and let its stream of lesser-known sports entertain you. Expect highlights of the Manchester United versus Nottingham Forest match from December 1979 at 6:20 AM, world rally highlights at 7:20 AM, and racing at Ascot at 9:30 AM. To cap it off, catch Sean Bean in Sharpe this afternoon and Tom Cruise, who delivered the opening speech at the World Cup final, back in Top Gun at 10:05 PM.
That’s nearly the same as the World Cup, right?
If You Miss Feeling Part of Something Big
You might consider watching The Odyssey. Christopher Nolan’s latest epic is smashing box office records, with tickets in his preferred 70mm Imax format hard to secure.
In many ways, it mirrors the World Cup experience. It’s loud, lengthy, and thrilling, providing ample topics for mock outrage (such as the absence of the Phaeacians, the lack of sexual content, and Nolan’s infusion of Judeo-Christian themes into an ancient narrative centered on violent revenge).
Ultimately, it tells the tale of a man reflecting on a time of intense tribalism with a sense of regret, which perfectly encapsulates the mood post-World Cup.
If You Miss Staying Up Late
Perhaps you’ve adjusted to American time zones during the tournament, and now that habit is hard to shed. If that’s true, you have options to maintain your late-night schedule. For Netflix subscribers, WWE SummerSlam kicks off at 11 PM BST on August 1, lasting several hours. Additionally, the San Diego Comic-Con begins tonight, running on California time, allowing you 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 like a loser.
If You Miss Hydration Breaks
Take a moment to hydrate. Urinary tract infections are unpleasant, especially during this season. While you’re at it, watch a commercial for that complete FIFA experience.
If You Miss All the Speculation
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the World Cup was the endless speculation and analysis. Fortunately, British politics is currently full of opportunities for similar discourse. With yet another new prime minister, the potential for amateur punditry is abundant. Is Angela Rayner being sidelined? Does Ed Miliband still have what it takes for international diplomacy? How many lackluster performances will it take before the nation demands yet another managerial change?
Moreover, the upcoming Clacton byelection presents a fantastic chance for an office sweepstake. Which of the 34 candidates will you end up with? Will it be Binface, Farage, Baron Von Thunderclap, or Abi Hookway from Channel 5’s Rich House Poor House? What about Woke Trump Carrzee or Laurence Fox? Excitement is in the air.
If You Specifically Miss Watching Male Football World Cups Hosted by the US
This might be the most exciting news. Reports indicate that Donald Trump has expressed a desire for the United States to host the 2038 World Cup. If that happens, he would be in his fifth term as president by then. What joy that would bring.
