Channel 4
Channel 4 is a public, free-to-air TV network in the UK. It runs several linear television channels, as well as a video-on-demand (VOD) service, also confusingly called Channel 4 (previously All 4)
Live Football on Channel 4
There is no information about transmission yet.
Sports Streams News
Alongside the BBC and ITV, it is considered one of the cornerstones of British television broadcasting.
Until the start of the 2024-25 season, Channel 4 held the rights to show selected England national team fixtures, but that deal with the English FA has since run out, leaving Channel 4 with no football media rights.
However, from the start of the 2025-26 season, Channel 4 will provide coverage, alongside pay-TV giant TNT Sports, for the women's FA Cup, as it re-enters the football space. This comes after the network also aired coverage of the UEFA U-21 European Championships in the summer of 2025.
Which football competitions does Channel 4 show?
Channel 4 has the rights to broadcast live matches from the women's FA Cup only.
The best TV packages to get Channel 4
There are no TV packages necessary to watch football on Channel 4. As a free-to-air broadcaster, it can be accessed on linear television or online via live streaming, completely free.
However, all UK citizens who watch Channel 4 and other terrestrial TV channels must hold an up-to-date TV license by law. The current cost of a TV license is £174.50 a year.
Best Channel 4 Live Streaming Options in the UK
The Channel 4 app can be accessed on most mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and more. Desktop users can also access all the same Channel 4 content on the Channel 4 website.
However, as a terrestrial network, Channel 4 and the football it covers can also be watched on a myriad of other streaming services, both paid and free, in the UK, including NOW, Pluto TV, Freeview and more.
Remember that whatever streaming service or website you use to watch football on Channel 4, you will need a valid TV license to do so legally.
Can You Watch Channel 4 Using a VPN?
Fans from around the world can watch football on Channel 4 on the Channel 4 website or the VOD service Channel 4 with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Even if you don’t reside in the UK, you can access Channel 4 football live streams wherever you are, with the help of a VPN.
Assuming you have checked the rules and regulations regarding VPNs where you are and done your due diligence regarding the best VPN to go with, there’s little stopping you from accessing Channel 4.
Best Channel 4 Football Pundits and Commentators
It is unknown which broadcasters Channel 4 will employ for their coverage of the 2025-26 women's FA Cup.
Pros and Cons of Channel 4 Football
The only pro is Channel 4's new deal to show women's FA Cup games. The cons are obvious - they have no other football to show.
FAQ: How to watch Channel 4 Football
Q. Can I watch live football on Channel 4?
A. Yes. Channel 4 has the media rights to the women's FA Cup in 2025-26.
Q. Is Channel 4 catch-up free?
A. Yes. Assuming you have a TV license, catch up on the Channel 4 VOD service is completely free and requires no subscription payments.
Q. How can I watch Channel 4 on my TV?
A. You can watch Channel 4 on almost any TV. As a terrestrial, linear television channel, it is available on any TV, smart or otherwise. You can also watch Channel 4 online on the Channel 4 VOD service.
Q. Does Channel 4 have sports?
A. Yes. Channel 4 shows live coverage of the Paralympic Games and Formula One, among other sports. They also have the media rights to a very select number of football competitions.
Q. How to watch Channel 4 football on TV?
A. Fans can watch selected football matches live on Channel 4 either on linear television or on the Channel 4 streaming service.