Viewers of Coronation Street and Emmerdale are reportedly preparing for a challenging summer as the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup threatens to cause significant disruption to their beloved soap schedules. The tournament, scheduled to take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States in June 2026, is expected to see ITV prioritise live match coverage, forcing the popular dramas out of their regular time slots.
Soap Power Hour Under Pressure
The scheduling complications come after ITV bosses introduced a dedicated 'soap power hour' from 8pm to 9pm each evening earlier this year. However, this carefully planned programming block now faces potential upheaval during the World Cup period. An insider revealed to The Sun that the situation is creating considerable behind-the-scenes challenges, stating: 'It's proving quite the headache behind the scenes.'
The source further explained: 'Soap fans have already had to adjust to the new scheduling arrangements implemented at the beginning of the year. With additional changes looming, there is genuine concern that the programmes could lose more viewers. Broadcasting episodes on Sundays simply doesn't work effectively, and with the new schedule structure, it's highly unlikely they'll be able to air before these major World Cup matches commence.'
Recent Precedents of Disruption
In recent months, sporting events have already forced episodes off air entirely, while others have been moved to less favourable Sunday evening slots, frustrating dedicated viewers. Earlier this week, both soaps were removed from their usual schedule, with episodes consolidated into a one-hour Sunday broadcast instead.
ITV previously attempted to mitigate disruption by releasing episodes early on their streaming platform ITVX, but this strategy reportedly left many audience members confused about when to watch. Despite the scheduling chaos, the broadcaster maintains that these changes have actually increased digital viewing figures.
Streaming Success Amidst Turmoil
Remarkably, streaming statistics for both soaps have surged by 48 percent year-on-year, with Coronation Street and Emmerdale achieving their highest ever monthly viewing figures. In January 2026 alone, the programmes attracted a combined total of 65 million streams across platforms - an increase of 10 million streams over any previous record.
Coronation Street specifically reached an audience of 5.9 million viewers through television broadcasts and streaming services combined. This digital success story provides some consolation amidst the scheduling uncertainties.
Immediate Scheduling Conflicts
The disruption is not limited to future World Cup planning. On Tuesday evening, Coronation Street and Emmerdale fans expressed frustration as the popular shows were cancelled yet again by ITV. The 'soap power hour' was scrapped on April 14th to accommodate coverage of the Women's European Qualifier match, which featured England's Lionesses competing against Spain.
Typically, Emmerdale airs on ITV from Monday to Friday at 8pm, while Coronation Street follows at 8:30pm. Meanwhile, fans of EastEnders experienced no such disruption, as the BBC1 soap continued to air at its regular 7:30pm slot without interruption.
Ongoing Discussions and Future Planning
According to industry insiders, 'lots of discussions' are currently taking place as ITV executives work to minimise the impact of the World Cup on their soap programming. The Daily Mail has contacted ITV for official comment regarding their scheduling strategies for the summer of 2026.
As broadcasters balance the competing demands of major sporting events and loyal soap audiences, the coming months will reveal how ITV navigates these scheduling challenges while attempting to retain viewership for their flagship drama programmes.
