Coronation Street And Emmerdale Schedule Changes Continue As World Cup Coverage Disrupts ITV Soaps
Coronation Street and Emmerdale viewers could face more schedule changes throughout the summer as ITV continues to balance its soap schedules with coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament, being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and is expected to dominate television schedules throughout June and July. As a result, Coronation Street and Emmerdale fans may notice further changes to when episodes air on ITV and ITVX.
Why Are Coronation Street And Emmerdale Being Moved?
Earlier this year ITV introduced its new soap power hour, with Emmerdale airing at 8pm and Coronation Street following at 8.30pm on weeknights.
However, major sporting events have already led to several schedule adjustments during 2026, and the World Cup is expected to create further disruption.
Live football coverage regularly takes priority during major international tournaments, meaning episodes can be moved, combined into longer broadcasts, shown on different days or made available earlier on ITVX.
For viewers who enjoy watching live each evening, keeping up with the latest schedules may become increasingly important as the tournament progresses.
World Cup Coverage Takes Centre Stage
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is attracting huge global interest, with matches taking place across North America and many games scheduled during peak viewing hours in the UK.
Football coverage traditionally delivers some of the biggest television audiences of the year, particularly when England are involved, making it one of ITV’s highest priorities during the tournament.
While the schedule changes may prove frustrating for some soap viewers, they are not unusual during major sporting events and have become a regular feature of television scheduling in recent years.
ITVX Continues To Grow
Despite concerns about changing schedules, viewing figures suggest audiences are increasingly embracing on demand viewing.
ITV has reported significant growth in streaming figures for Coronation Street and Emmerdale through ITVX, with millions of streams recorded across both soaps.
This gives viewers greater flexibility when episodes are moved or delayed due to sporting coverage.
However, many viewers still prefer the certainty of a regular broadcast schedule, which is why schedule changes continue to generate discussion whenever major football tournaments arrive.
SoaplandTV Has You Covered This Summer
Whether you are following the latest drama in Weatherfield, the Dales or on the football pitch, SoaplandTV will continue bringing you all the latest updates.
Our dedicated football section will feature World Cup fixtures, results, reaction, analysis and the biggest stories from the tournament.
We will also continue covering England’s progress, major football headlines and the latest developments from the Lionesses through our growing women’s football coverage.
Alongside our football content, SoaplandTV remains your home for Coronation Street, Emmerdale, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Home and Away news, spoilers, interviews, features and schedule updates.
Coronation Street And Emmerdale Fans Should Expect Further Changes
While ITV has not announced every schedule adjustment in advance, further changes remain likely while World Cup coverage continues.
For soap viewers, that means keeping an eye on schedules, ITV announcements and ITVX availability over the coming weeks. Make sure to follow them across the socials!
The BBC could also make scheduling adjustments during the World Cup, particularly when it is broadcasting live matches. However, EastEnders viewers have the added flexibility of watching episodes on BBC iPlayer, where they are typically available before their television broadcast
One thing is certain. Whether the biggest drama is happening in Weatherfield, the Yorkshire Dales or at the World Cup, SoaplandTV will have all the latest updates.
Visit SoaplandTV for the latest soap and football news: www.soaplandtv.co.uk
