The ITV Sport reporting team for World Cup 2026. Photograph: Sally Mais/ITV
TV tonight: the World Cup kicks off with three opening ceremonies. J Balvin and Tyla perform at the first one in Mexico City. Plus: did James Dean create a new model of vulnerable masculinity? Here’s what to watch this evening.
Fifa World Cup 2026: Opening Ceremony
6.15pm, ITV1. Is it coming home? At this point, even asking that feels like a jinx. But here we go, with a summer of very inconveniently timed games between a whopping 48 teams. Three ceremonies will kick the tournament off, starting with one in Mexico City Stadium, where J Balvin and Tyla will perform. The Toronto and LA events follow on Friday. Hollie Richardson
Britney: In Ten Pictures
9pm, BBC Two. Britney Spears often seemed like a walking illustration of the phrase “Be careful what you wish for”. Starting with a delightful picture of pre-fame Britney goofing around with her brother but soon entering darker waters, it’s a graphic, increasingly poignant journey through modern fame. Graeme Virtue
Taskmaster: The Final
9pm, Channel 4. As anyone who has ever watched this show understands, the Taskmaster trophy is one of the most prestigious in the world of television. So as we join the gang for the final time, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Amy Gledhill literally tears her hair out in pursuit of glory and there’s an all-time great pillow fight. PH
James Dean: The Emotional Man
9pm, Sky Arts. Dying in a car crash at the age of 24 in 1955 means James Dean achieved his dream of immortality at a terrible cost. This vivid profile draws on biographies written by his friends and collaborators to make the case that the intense actor created a new model of vulnerable masculinity. Graeme Virtue
Make That Movie
10pm, Channel 4. Magnificent oddball Sam Campbell’s comedy is great fun as long as you’re willing to surrender to its complete illogic. This time, chauffeur Kabir wants the gang to tell the story of his financier boss. The problem is, there isn’t much of a story to tell. What hidden depravity can the team unearth? PH
Rivals: Messi v Ronaldo
10.40pm, BBC One. To coincide with a World Cup at which both men will play despite being 38 and 41 years old respectively, this documentary rehashes the biggest debate in football: who’s better, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Among the ex-players having their say are Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Rio Ferdinand and Pablo Zabaleta. Jack Seale
Live sport
World Cup Football, Mexico v South Africa, 7.50pm, ITV1. The first game of the tournament.
