Emmerdale and Coronation Street fans are ready to face major schedule chaos due to the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which takes place next month. This big disruption might drive away many viewers. Meanwhile, the soap fans have already witnessed many disruptions. How will ITV cope? Stay with us to find out more details.
Soaps’ Schedule Disruption Is Getting Worse!
The soap fans of Emmerdale and Coronation Street will be upset again. This is because of a huge schedule shakeup. The 2026 World Cup will start in June. Matches will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States. There is a possibility that ITV will prioritise live football coverage. This will disrupt the soaps’ schedule. Thus, there will be constant changes.
Meanwhile, insiders confirmed that the situation is challenging. This is because the audience just got used to the schedule shakeup earlier this year when ITV introduced the soap power hour. Thus, with more changes, the viewers might get annoyed.
Though there is a possibility of moving the episodes to Sundays, the idea hasn’t gone down well with the fans. It disrupts their routine. However, ITV doesn’t have much choice.
How Will Fans React?
Though the bosses are trying to minimise the impact, there is no solution. They have also tried releasing the episodes early, but the approach has had mixed results. However, the digital viewing figures are on the rise.
It has jumped to 48 per cent compared to last year. Furthermore, January 2026 was a record-breaking month for Emmerdale and Coronation Street, which pulled in a combined 65 million streams.
However, the soap fans are fed up with the soap schedule. Meanwhile, Emmerdale airs at 8 pm while Coronation Street airs at 8:30 pm from Monday to Friday. But the schedule has been messed up lately. Due to the rise in sports matches, there have been multiple schedule changes.
However, on BBC One, EastEnders has been airing at 7:30 pm. Thus, Emmerdale and the rival soap fans will be more frustrated. Will ITV come up with a better solution? Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Emmerdale updates.