Warm Up for the World Cup: Top TV and Film Picks

Countdown to Kick-Off: World Cup-Themed TV and Films

With the 2026 Fifa World Cup just around the corner, football fans are gearing up for a month of excitement. But what to watch while waiting for the tournament to start? Here's a selection of top picks to get you in the mood.

Match – 1966 World Cup Final in Colour (Channel 4)

David Baddiel introduces a full-colour replay of England's landmark 4-2 win over West Germany, raising awareness for Alzheimer's disease. Hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst reflects on the historic match 60 years ago.

Drama – Dear England (BBC iPlayer)

Joseph Fiennes stars in James Graham's adaptation of his award-winning play about Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate's bid to end decades of hurt. A heartwarming and humorous take on the England team's journey.

Documentary – Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (BBC iPlayer)

Kevin Bridges travels to Brazil and the US to ask whether the sport has lost its soul. A heartfelt travelogue ahead of Scotland's first World Cup appearance in 28 years.

Film – Saipan (Prime Video/BFI Player)

Steve Coogan stars in this dramatisation of the infamous 2002 World Cup showdown between the Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and captain Roy Keane.

Play – An Evening With Gary Lineker (YouTube)

Evocative ITV adaptation of Arthur Smith and Chris England's stage play, set against the backdrop of the Italia '90 tournament.

Comedy – Twenty Twenty Six (BBC iPlayer)

Hugh Bonneville leads the FIFA satire as an ex-BBC bumbler parachuted into the world's biggest sporting event as its 'director of integrity'.

Documentary – The Bus: A French Football Mutiny (Netflix)

Chronicling the chaos of France's flop 2010 campaign in South Africa, this jaw-dropping film lays bare the bust-ups and player revolts.

Film – Mike Bassett: England Manager (Prime Video)

Cult 2001 'soccumentary' starring Ricky Tomlinson as an unreconstructed gaffer leading a hapless team to the World Cup in Brazil.

Drama – This Is England '86 (Channel 4)

The first TV spin-off from Shane Meadows' coming-of-age film, set during Mexico '86, featuring Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal.

Documentary – The Game of Their Lives (YouTube)

A 2002 film charting North Korea's shock success in the 1966 tournament and tracking down the seven surviving players.

Film – Escape to Victory (Sky/Now/Prime Video)

A rousing footballing fairytale starring Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, and Pelé as a plucky allied PoW team takes on Nazi Germany.