TV tonight: the World Cup kicks off with three opening ceremonies

Fifa World Cup 2026: Opening Ceremony 6.15pm, ITV1 Is it coming home? At this point, even asking that feels like a jinx. But here we go, with a summer of very inconveniently timed games between a whopping 48 teams. Three ceremonies will kick the tournament off, starting with one in Mexico City Stadium, where J Balvin and Tyla will perform. The Toronto and LA events follow on Friday. Hollie Richardson Britney: In Ten Pictures 9pm, BBC Two Poignant journey ... Britney Spears stands on brother Bryan’s back at the family home. Photograph: PHOTOGRAPHER:/CREDIT LINE:Lisa Means Britney Spears often seemed like a walking illustration of the phrase “Be careful what you wish for”. Starting with a delightful picture of pre-fame Britney goofing around with her brother but soon entering darker waters, it’s a graphic, increasingly poignant journey through modern fame. Phil Harrison Taskmaster: The Final 9pm, Channel 4 As anyone who has ever watched this show understands, the Taskmaster trophy is one of the most prestigious in the world of television. So as we join the gang for the final time, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Amy Gledhill literally tears her hair out in pursuit of glory and there’s an all-time- great pillow fight. PH James Dean: The Emotional Man 9pm, Sky Arts Transforming the perception of masculinity ... James Dean on screen Photograph: Arte France/Corbis/Getty Images Dying in a car crash at the age of 24 in 1955 means James Dean achieved his dream of immortality at a terrible cost. This vivid profile draws on biographies written by his friends and collaborators to make the case that the intense actor created a new model of vulnerable masculinity. Graeme Virtue Make That Movie 10pm, Channel 4 Magnificent oddball Sam Campbell’s comedy is great fun as long as you’re willing to surrender to its complete illogic. This time, chauffeur Kabir wants the gang to tell the story of his financier boss. The problem is, there isn’t much of a story to tell. What hidden depravity can the team unearth? PH Rivals: Messi v Ronaldo 10.40pm, BBC One To coincide with a World Cup at which both men will play despite being 38 and 41 years old respectively, this documentary rehashes the biggest debate in football: who’s better, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Among the ex-players having their say are Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Rio Ferdinand and Pablo Zabaleta. Jack Seale Live sport World Cup Football, Mexico v South Africa, 7.50pm, ITV1. The first game of the tournament.