The conclusion of the 2026 World Cup leaves a significant void for fans around the globe, especially for the millions who tuned in to watch the matches. In the UK, ITV alone provided nearly 275 hours of live coverage, making the absence of such a major event particularly noticeable this weekend.
However, there are still plenty of alternatives available to help distract us from the chaos of everyday life. Here’s a guide to help fill that gap.
If You Miss Sport
While the World Cup has wrapped up, the Commonwealth Games have just kicked off in Glasgow, offering a variety of sports including swimming, netball, boxing, gymnastics, and bowls. Unfortunately, viewers will have to settle for a single hour of highlights on Channel 5 at 10:30 PM, as TNT has acquired the rights and requires a subscription to access the full content.
The same situation applies to the Tour de France, following ITV’s long-standing coverage of the event.
If you’re seeking traditional, free-to-air sports programming, your options may be limited. A rugby league match is airing this afternoon, along with some cricket tomorrow. Otherwise, tuning into ITV4 might be your best bet for a mix of low-key sports content, including highlights from a December 1979 match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at 6:20 AM, rally highlights at 7:20 AM, and races from Ascot at 9:30 AM. To round out your viewing, Sean Bean will be featured in Sharpe this afternoon, and Tom Cruise, who delivered the opening address at the World Cup final, stars in Top Gun at 10:05 PM.
If You Miss Feeling Part of Something Big
Consider watching The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s latest epic, which is smashing box office records. Tickets for his preferred format, 70mm IMAX, are notably hard to come by.
The film shares similarities with the World Cup in its loud, lengthy, and thrilling nature. It provokes discussions about various elements, such as the absence of the Phaeacians, the lack of sexual content, and Nolan’s decision to weave Judeo-Christian themes of guilt into an ancient narrative that culminates in a violent resolution.
Ultimately, it tells the story of a man reflecting on a period marked by intense tribalism, echoing the sentiments many feel after the World Cup.
If You Miss Staying Up Late
If you’ve become accustomed to living on American time, breaking that habit may prove challenging. Fortunately, options are available to extend your late-night hours. For Netflix subscribers, WWE SummerSlam begins at 11 PM BST on August 1 and will run for several hours. Additionally, the San Diego Comic-Con starts tonight, 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 is uncertain, it might be a better choice than going to bed early.
If You Miss Hydration Breaks
Take a moment to hydrate. Dehydration can lead to urinary tract infections, which are especially undesirable in the summer months. Consider watching an advertisement while you’re at it to evoke that FIFA experience.
If You Miss All the Speculation
A significant part of the World Cup’s excitement comes from the speculation and debate surrounding it. Fortunately, British politics currently offers a wealth of opportunities for similar discussions, especially with a new prime minister in place. This situation invites amateur analysis: Is Angela Rayner being outmaneuvered? Does Ed Miliband still have the stamina for international negotiations? How many underwhelming performances will it take before the public demands yet another change in leadership?
Moreover, the upcoming Clacton byelection presents an exciting chance to engage in office sweepstakes. Which of the 34 candidates will you draw? Will it be Binface, Farage, Baron Von Thunderclap, or Abi Hookway from Channel 5’s Rich House Poor House? What a thrilling prospect.
If You Specifically Miss Watching Male Football World Cups Hosted by the US
In particularly good news, reports have surfaced that Donald Trump is keen on having the United States host the 2038 World Cup. By that time, he would be serving his fifth term as president. What a delightful thought.
