The men's football World Cup kicks off on June 11 with South Africa facing joint hosts Mexico in the tournament's opening match. However, fans planning to watch live from the UK could face an unwelcome surprise if they haven't sorted their paperwork.
Who needs a TV licence?
Anyone watching or recording matches as they are broadcast on any channel, platform, or service, including BBC iPlayer, must have a TV licence. Currently, a TV licence costs £180 per year. Watching without one is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £1,000, or up to £2,000 for those living in Guernsey.
How to pay for a licence
TV licences can be purchased online. You can pay the full £180 upfront or spread the cost via monthly direct debits. Your licence covers you for one year from the purchase date, and you can view it online immediately.
The Licensing Agency states: "Nothing beats the excitement of watching live football — from Premier League drama to World Cup showdowns and edge-of-your-seat cup finals. If you want the full experience, you need to watch it live."
What a TV licence covers
- All live TV channels
- Pay TV services like Sky
- Live TV on streaming services like YouTube
- Everything on BBC iPlayer
Penalties for non-compliance
If caught watching without a licence, you may be visited by a TV Licence Officer. Prosecution is used as a "last resort." If found guilty in court, you could face a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,000 in Guernsey) plus additional costs. For example, in England or Wales, you may also pay around £120 in prosecution costs.
Discounted TV licences
Three groups qualify for discounted licences:
- Residential care home residents: Those in residential care, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation may get a licence for £7.50 if they are retired and over 60, or disabled. Your housing manager can check eligibility and apply.
- Blind or severely sight impaired: With evidence, you may receive a 50% discount. The licence must be in the blind person's name.
- Black and white TV users: A specific black and white TV licence costs £58.50 per year (rising to around £60.50 in April).
Free TV licences
People aged 75 or older who receive Pension Credit can get a free TV licence. Applications can be made from age 74, and payments are automatically adjusted by TV Licensing.
Students and temporary accommodation
Students living away from home during term time may be covered by their parents' licence if they only watch TV on devices not plugged into the mains of their term-time accommodation, such as laptops, phones, or tablets.
For more details, visit the TV Licensing website.
