France will take on Northern Ireland in an international friendly on June 8, 2026, as both sides prepare for upcoming competitions. The match serves as France's final warm-up before they begin their campaign to reach a third consecutive World Cup final. Here is everything you need to know about how to watch the game for free.
Kick-Off Time and Location
The friendly is scheduled to start at 8:10pm BST, which corresponds to a 9:10pm local time kick-off in France. The high-profile fixture will be held at the Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille Metropole. This venue welcomes Northern Ireland back to French soil nearly a decade after their memorable Euro 2016 campaign.
TV Channel and Live Stream in the UK
UK viewers can watch the match live on BBC Three, with regional coverage also available on BBC One Northern Ireland. Pre-match build-up begins at 7:30pm, offering 40 minutes of analysis before kick-off. For those who prefer streaming, the entire event can be watched live via the BBC iPlayer app. UK residents can also access the stream on the BBC Sport website or through the dedicated BBC Sport mobile application.
How to Watch in the US
Supporters in the United States can catch the live broadcast on Fox Sports. Streaming options are available via the Fox Sports app or online at FoxSports.com, requiring an active television provider login.
Radio Coverage
Listeners in the UK can follow the match on BBC Radio 5 Live, with regional coverage also on BBC Radio Ulster. Both stations begin live match programming from 8pm.
Team News
France manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed that William Saliba and Ousmane Dembele are both available for selection, with all 26 players in the squad fit and ready. Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has named a strong squad, building on their recent 1-0 victory over Guinea. No significant injury concerns have been reported, and young striker Callum Marshall could lead the attack against the former world champions.
Head-to-Head Record
This match marks the first meeting between the two nations in over 27 years. Their last clash was in 1999, when reigning world champions France secured a narrow 1-0 win in Belfast.
World Cup Sweepstake and TV Upgrade
Fans can also take part in a World Cup 2026 sweepstake online generator to select their teams. For an enhanced viewing experience, Sky is offering a 20% discount on its entire range of Glass TVs until June 17, with prices starting from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
