BBC Sport has announced comprehensive coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with all 104 matches to be available across its platforms when the tournament kicks off in the United States, Canada and Mexico next month.
Fifty-four games will be broadcast live on BBC television, while every match in the expanded 48-team competition will be accessible via BBC iPlayer, Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app, YouTube and social media channels.
New digital offerings for fans
The corporation is launching brand-new BBC Football YouTube and TikTok channels as part of its World Cup push. These will carry live streaming build-up ahead of matches as well as the opening ten minutes of the biggest games in the tournament — a notable new feature for audiences who may not be in front of a television.
BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski set out the broadcaster's ambitions in a statement, saying the BBC aims to make the biggest World Cup in history the most iconic one yet by bringing fans closer to every match, moment and story than ever before. The corporation has promised football content across all of its platforms every day throughout the tournament, from daily podcasts on BBC Sounds to viral moments on social media.
Punditry line-up confirmed
Coverage from the BBC's base in Salford will be presented by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott. They will be joined by a substantial roster of pundits drawn from both the men's and women's games:
- Alan Shearer
- Wayne Rooney
- Micah Richards
- Ellen White
- Steph Houghton
- Rachel Corsie
- Joe Hart
- Olivier Giroud
- Cesar Azpilicueta
- Benni McCarthy
- Lucas Leiva
- Thomas Frank
Giroud, Azpilicueta and McCarthy have been confirmed as new additions to the BBC's punditry team for the competition. The inclusion of current Brentford head coach Thomas Frank is an interesting appointment, and the presence of Ellen White, Steph Houghton and Rachel Corsie ensures the panel has genuine depth of experience across both codes of the game.
Scotland's return to football's biggest stage
BBC Scotland will provide dedicated in-depth coverage of the Scotland national team's participation, which marks the country's first appearance at a men's World Cup since France 1998 — a 28-year wait that Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland, described as sure to bring huge pride and excitement right across the country.
Scotland's return to the tournament will undoubtedly drive significant audiences north of the border and adds an extra layer of narrative to what is already the largest World Cup in the competition's history.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday, 11 June, with the final scheduled for Sunday, 19 July.
Frequently asked
- How can I watch the 2026 World Cup on the BBC?
- The BBC will show 54 matches live on BBC television, with all 104 games available across BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app, YouTube and social media. The new BBC Football YouTube and TikTok channels will also stream live build-up and the opening ten minutes of major matches.
- Who are the BBC pundits for the 2026 World Cup?
- The BBC's punditry line-up includes Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, Joe Hart, Olivier Giroud, Cesar Azpilicueta, Benni McCarthy, Lucas Leiva, Thomas Frank, Ellen White, Steph Houghton and Rachel Corsie, with presenting duties shared between Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott.
- When does the 2026 World Cup start and finish?
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday, 11 June and concludes with the final on Sunday, 19 July. It is hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico and features 48 teams competing in 104 matches.