Where to Watch the Best TV Shows This Weekend

From blockbuster World Cup clashes to Casualty and Celebrity Gogglebox there’s plenty to keep viewers in the UK glued to their screens this weekend.

Highlights

• USA v Australia kicks off the weekend’s FIFA World Cup action on BBC One, with both sides looking to build on impressive opening victories.
• Celebrity Gogglebox returns with its usual mix of humour, honesty and famous faces dissecting the week’s biggest television moments.
• Casualty delivers high-stakes drama as contamination chaos sweeps through Holby and Stevie faces the consequences of her actions.
• Germany v Ivory Coast promises an intriguing World Cup encounter as both teams look to maintain their winning starts.
• Belgium v Iran rounds off the football weekend in a fascinating Group G clash.
• Cruising to the Ends of the Earth takes viewers from Japan’s volcanic landscapes to the wilderness of Alaska.

Friday

FIFA World Cup

BBC One and iPlayer, 7pm (Kick-off 8pm)

Gabby Logan presents coverage of the Group D encounter between USA and Australia from Seattle Stadium. Although the nations have met four times previously, this marks their first competitive fixture, with all previous meetings coming in friendlies. The Americans head into the match full of confidence after a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay, while Australia stunned many observers with a 2-0 win over Türkiye. With both sides making strong starts to their campaigns, this promises to be one of the standout matches of the group stage. Analysis comes from Olivier Giroud, Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott.

Celebrity Gogglebox

Channel 4, 9pm

One of television’s most reliable feel-good shows returns as a host of famous faces settle in to share their thoughts on the week’s biggest programmes. Expect plenty of laughs and sharp observations from celebrities including Vernon Kay and Paddy McGuinness, Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan, Vicky Pattison and Pete Wicks, Bez and Shaun Ryder, Ashley Banjo and Perri Kiely, Rylan and his mum Linda, and Roman and Martin Kemp.

Saturday

Casualty

BBC One and iPlayer, 8.30pm

The long-running medical drama serves up another intense episode as contamination chaos engulfs Holby. Stevie is forced to confront the consequences of her recent actions while attempting to prove herself amid the crisis. Elsewhere, Jodie uncovers crucial historical evidence in her battle against Goldclave, and Rash faces an awkward personal dilemma when Jessica arrives for coffee. Starring Elinor Lawless and Anna Chell, this week’s instalment promises emotional drama alongside the usual emergency department tension.

FIFA World Cup: Germany v Ivory Coast

ITV, 8pm (Kick-off 9pm)

Germany take on Ivory Coast in Toronto in a fascinating Group E contest. The sides have met only once before, drawing 2-2 in a friendly back in 2009. Germany arrive after an emphatic 7-1 victory over Curaçao, while Ivory Coast edged past Ecuador thanks to a late winner. Both teams opened their tournaments with victories, setting up a potentially decisive clash as they look to take control of the group.

Sunday

FIFA World Cup: Belgium v Iran

ITV, 7pm (Kick-off 8pm)

Group G action continues as Belgium face Iran at Los Angeles Stadium. This is the first meeting between the two nations and offers an intriguing contrast in styles. Belgium began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt, while Iran showed resilience in coming from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw with New Zealand. Mark Pougatch presents coverage, with analysis from Emma Hayes, Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane.

Cruising to the Ends of the Earth

Channel 4, 8pm

For viewers looking for something a little more relaxing, this travel series offers spectacular scenery and fascinating journeys. This week’s episode follows the Diamond Princess as it docks in Kagoshima, home to Japan’s most active volcano, Sakurajima. Meanwhile, in Alaska, guests aboard the Discovery Princess head into the rugged wilderness surrounding Ketchikan for an unforgettable off-road adventure through Tongass National Forest. It’s a visually stunning hour of television that brings some of the world’s most remarkable destinations into living rooms across the country.