Emmerdale issued an update on Wednesday as the current FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage causes ITV soap schedule chaos. Typically, Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV and ITVX followed by Coronation Street at 8:30pm in a 'power hour of soap'. However, due to the World Cup coverage, both Emmerdale and Coronation Street have been hit with schedule shake-ups with Wednesday's episode of both soaps cancelled to make way for the England v Croatia match.
Emmerdale's World Cup Update
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday night before the match's 9pm kick-off, Emmerdale shared a snap of The Woolpack covered in England football flags. The ITV soap penned: "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."
Responding in the comments, one soap fan penned: "The woolpack is looking incredible. Come on England!" while another account added: "COME ON ENGLAND!"
Schedule Changes This Week
This week, both Emmerdale and Coronation Street are only airing on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Monday and Tuesday's episodes saw hour-long specials to make up for the missing episodes.
Upcoming Charity Dingle Storyline
It comes as Emmerdale viewers will be left heartbroken for Charity Dingle next week in the village. Only recently, Dr Todd, who has been blackmailing Charity for weeks over baby Leyla's real biological parents, sexually assaulted Charity in hard-hitting scenes. Charity courageously reported Dr Todd and the assault to the police, where soap viewers recognised DS Reid actress Angela Lonsdale.
In spoilers for next week, Charity, who falsely claims her breakdown is due to postnatal depression, continues to struggle and spiral as she doesn't tell her loved ones what happened. Meanwhile Mack struggles to support Charity, as he tells Chas Dingle that he feels clueless and inadequate in supporting her. Later, Mack's attempts to talk to Charity are rejected.
Overwhelmed and unable to be near him, a tearful Charity speeds off in her car. Later, Charity, who is broken and on the verge of a breakdown, stands alone at the edge of a lake, ignoring a call from Mack before a stranger intervenes.
Talking about the powerful and hard-hitting storyline, Charity star 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.
