Emmerdale has issued an update on Wednesday as the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage throws the ITV soap schedule into disarray. Under normal circumstances, Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV and ITVX, followed by Coronation Street at 8:30pm during the popular 'power hour of soap'. However, the World Cup has forced both soaps into significant scheduling changes, with Wednesday's episodes of both Emmerdale and Coronation Street axed to make way for the England v Croatia match.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday evening ahead of the match's 9pm kick-off, Emmerdale shared a photo of The Woolpack adorned with England football flags. The ITV soap wrote: "The Woolpack's ready, and so are we. The Emmerdale crew drew England in the ITV Sweepstake, so there's only one thing to say... COME ON ENGLAND! Let's hope for more goals than village feuds. #FIFAWorldCup #EngVsCroatia."
Fans were quick to respond in the comments, with one writing: "The woolpack is looking incredible. Come on England!" while another enthusiastically added: "COME ON ENGLAND!"
Throughout this week, both Emmerdale and Coronation Street are broadcasting only on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, with Monday and Tuesday's episodes extended to feature hour-long specials to compensate for the missing instalments.
Charity Dingle's Heartbreaking Storyline
Meanwhile, Emmerdale viewers face an emotional week ahead as Charity Dingle is set to suffer further heartbreak in the village. In recent episodes, Dr Todd — who has spent weeks blackmailing Charity over baby Leyla's true biological parentage — sexually assaulted Charity in deeply harrowing scenes. Charity bravely reported Dr Todd and the assault to the police, where eagle-eyed soap fans will have spotted DS Reid actress Angela Lonsdale.
In spoilers for the coming week, Charity, who falsely attributes her breakdown to postnatal depression, continues to spiral and struggle as she keeps what truly happened hidden from those closest to her. Meanwhile, Mack finds himself at a loss when it comes to supporting Charity, confiding in Chas Dingle that he feels helpless and out of his depth. His subsequent attempts to reach out to Charity are met with rejection. Overwhelmed and unable to bear being near him, a distraught Charity flees in her car. Later, broken and teetering on the brink of collapse, Charity stands alone by the edge of a lake, ignoring a call from Mack before a stranger steps in to intervene.
Speaking about the powerful and hard-hitting storyline, Charity actress Emma Atkins said: "This has been one of the most demanding and significant storylines I've had to navigate as Charity. We know her as a tough, resilient character, but this trauma will expose a deep, raw vulnerability that has been heartbreaking at times to play. I hope this storyline gives even one person the courage to speak out or helps others understand the quiet devastation of trauma."
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
