An aerial view of a city with a river flowing through it. The words "EastEnders" and "BBC" are superimposed on the image.Credit: PA

THE 2026 World Cup kicked off in fine style on Thursday evening as co-hosts Mexico eased past South Africa in a 2-0 win.

However, eagle-eyed soap opera fans may be concerned given matches are being shown across the and ITV.

That has already meant that for next week.

Fans in a stadium watching a FIFA World Cup 2026 match.THE 2026 World Cup kicked off in fine style on Thursday evening as co-hosts Mexico eased past South Africa in a 2-0 win Credit: Getty Images

But what does it mean for EastEnders? Read on below for the upcoming schedule for the flagship BBC soap.

What is the EastEnders schedule during the World Cup?

  • Friday, June 12: Not airing
  • Saturday, June 13: Not airing
  • Sunday, June 14: Not airing
  • Monday, June 15: 7:30pm (BBC Two)
  • Tuesday, June 16: 7:30pm (BBC Two)
  • Wednesday, June 17: 7:30pm (BBC One)
  • Thursday, June 18: 7:30pm (BBC One)

Note that BBC’s TV guide for its soaps schedule currently only runs to Friday, June 19.

When is Eastenders on BBC iPlayer during the World Cup?

For those who can’t wait for their soap fix, each episode will also be available to stream on .

New episodes will be available to watch on the BBC’s streaming platform at any time on the day of broadcast.

Which World Cup games are on BBC?

  • Friday, June 12: Canada v Bosnia-Herzegovina, KO 8pm
  • Saturday, June 13: USA v Paraguay, KO 2am, followed by Brazil v Morocco, 11pm
  • Sunday, June 14: Haiti v Scotland, KO 2am
  • Monday, June 15: Ivory Coast v Ecuador, KO midnight, followed by Belgium v Egypt, KO 8pm
  • Tuesday, June 16: Iran v New Zealand, KO 2am, followed by France v Senegal, KO 8pm, followed by Iraq v Norway, KO 11pm
  • Wednesday, June 17: Austria v Jordan, KO 5am, followed by Portugal v DR Congo, KO 6pm
  • Thursday, June 18: Uzbekistan v Colombia, KO 3am, followed by Czech Republic v South Africa, KO 5pm
  • Friday, June 19: Mexico v South Korea, KO 2am, followed by USA v Australia, KO 8pm

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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