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How to watch live football in the UK

Various sporting images

Nothing beats the excitement of watching live football - from Premier League drama to knockout tournaments and edge-of-your-seat cup finals. If you want the full experience, you need to watch it live.

To watch or record any match live, on any channel, platform or service, including BBC iPlayer, you must have a valid TV Licence.

Stay covered. Don’t miss a moment.


Buy a TV Licence


Where to watch live football coverage and highlights

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Fans across the UK can watch live football and highlights across a wide range of broadcasters and streaming services.


  • BBC: Match of the Day brings you Premier League highlights, while the BBC also broadcasts selected FA Cup matches and shares major tournament fixtures — like the Euros and the FIFA World Cup — with ITV. Live coverage and highlights are also available on iPlayer.

  • ITV: ITV shows live international fixtures, including major tournaments, UEFA Nations League games, and England Women’s matches. Live coverage and highlights can be streamed on ITVX.

  • Channel 4: Channel 4 presents live Women’s FA Cup action — watch on TV or via their streaming service.

  • Sky Sports: Sky Sports shows the highest number of Premier League matches, plus extensive EFL coverage and major women’s competitions including the WSL.

  • TNT Sports: TNT Sports is home to the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, alongside selected Premier League and FA Cup matches. Games can be streamed on platforms like HBO Max.

  • Amazon: Amazon Prime shows top European football including some UEFA Champions league matches, and you can watch Premier League games live via streaming services.

Broadcast rights change each season — check listings regularly for the latest details.

To watch football live, on TV or streamed live online, or highlights on iPlayer, you’ll need a valid TV Licence.


Buy a TV Licence


Where to watch live Premier League football

The Premier League is the most watched domestic football competition in the UK, running from August to May.

  • Sky Sports: At least 215 live matches per season
  • TNT Sports: 52 live matches
  • BBC: Match of the Day with the biggest games and biggest names
  • Amazon Prime: watch live matches via streaming services

Watch live Premier League football across a variety of platforms.


How to watch Premier League matches online

Many fans watch live Premier League football or match highlights online using streaming services.

  • Watch Sky Sports via Sky Go or NOW TV
  • Stream TNT Sports on HBO Max
  • Catch Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer

You can livestream coverage of the Premier League and watch matches on laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Wherever you follow the action, just make sure you’re licensed.


How to watch the UEFA Nations League in the UK

The UEFA Nations League sees 54 European national teams compete in league and knockout matches across the 2026/27 football calendar.

The league phase takes place between September and November 2026, followed by the knockout stage in March 2027. The Nations League final is played in June 2027.

England games and the final of the Nations League are broadcast live on ITV. Subscribers to Amazon Prime can watch selected live matches on a pay-per-view basis. Broadcast schedules can change, so check listings before kick-off.

To watch or record UEFA Nations League games live, on TV or online, on any channel, platform or streaming service, you must be covered by a valid TV Licence. 


Be ready for match day

Watching football live is one of the best ways to experience the excitement of every game.

Before kick‑off:

  • Check TV and streaming apps are updated
  • Make sure your internet connection is reliable
  • Confirm your TV Licence is valid

A valid TV Licence ensures you’re covered to watch or stream live matches on TV or online, and to catch-up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Ready for the season? Get covered today.


Buy a TV Licence


Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch football live in the UK?

Live football matches are shown on Sky Sports, TNT Sports, BBC, ITV and Channel 4, plus you can watch live via their streaming services.


How can I watch Premier League matches?

Sky Sports and TNT Sports broadcast live Premier League football. You can watch highlights on BBC and iPlayer.


Do I need a TV Licence to watch football live?

Yes. A TV Licence is required to watch or stream football matches live on any channel or service, or to watch programmes on BBC iPlayer.


Where can I watch the UEFA Nations League?

Selected UEFA Nations League matches, including England games, are shown by UK broadcasters throughout the competition. Coverage may change depending on the stage of the tournament and England's progress, so check TV listings before kick-off. 


Is the UEFA Nations League on TV?

Yes. Selected UEFA Nations League games are shown live on ITV in the UK. Which matches are broadcast depends on the fixture schedule and England's progress in the competition. Check TV listings for the latest schedules. 


Do I need a TV Licence to watch the UEFA Nations League?

Yes. You need to be covered by a valid TV Licence to watch or record UEFA Nations League games live, whether on TV or online.


Buy a TV Licence

 

General information about TV Licensing is available in other languages: