With cutting-edge technology, always-on digital coverage, and a slate of new shows and formats on iPlayer and YouTube, the BBC is promising to make the World Cup more accessible, more interactive, and more engaging than ever for audiences across the UK.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the biggest in history, with 48 teams competing across a record-breaking 104 matches – including both England and Scotland this year. The BBC will broadcast 54 of them live on TV, but audiences will be able to follow all 104 matches across the BBC’s digital platforms and radio including iPlayer, 5 Live, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website & app, the brand-new BBC Sport Football YouTube channel and across socials, with uninterrupted World Cup experience that audiences can’t find anywhere else.
Alongside live match coverage and expert analysis across TV, radio and the BBC Sport website and app, FIFA World Cup 2026 marks a major evolution in how audiences experience the tournament digitally.
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For the first time ever, BBC Sport will deliver always-on World Cup coverage across YouTube, TikTok and social channels – from live match streaming, alternative second screen watch-alongs and instant post-match reaction to interactive technology, new digital first shows and immersive VR experiences following every England and Scotland match.
Audiences can also expect on-the-ground storytelling and insight from across the host nations, alongside cutting-edge technology designed to bring fans closer to the action than ever before. Real-time graphics, advanced on-screen analytics and instant tactical breakdowns will create a richer, more interactive and more immersive World Cup experience for audiences across the UK.
Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott front BBC Sport’s TV coverage throughout the tournament, with further input from household names including including former England stars Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, Joe Hart, Paul Robinson, Steph Houghton, Ellen White and Danny Murphy. Representing Scotland are Scott Brown, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden, while World Cup winner Olivier Giroud, Gaël Clichy, César Azpilicueta, Benni McCarthy, Ashley Williams and Thomas Frank add global insight and international edge. Former international referee Darren Cann completes the team, bringing expert analysis from the heart of the game.
Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC director of sport, said: “The BBC is turning the biggest World Cup in history into the most iconic one yet. We’re bringing fans closer to every match, every moment and every story than ever before. Sport truly unites people like nothing else, especially football, so we can’t wait for fans to enjoy not just the live matches with us but an abundance of football content, all day, every day across our platforms. Whether it’s our new series on YouTube, the biggest news stories on the ground, our daily podcasts on Sounds or the viral moments on social media – we’re here for audiences 24/7 this summer, taking them straight to heart of the World Cup.”
Louise Thornton, head of commissioning, BBC Scotland, added: “It’s going to be thrilling to see the national team back on football’s biggest stage after 28 years – a moment that’s sure to bring huge pride and excitement right across the country.
“At BBC Scotland, we’re rolling out a brilliant mix of content to match that buzz. Our sport teams will have every kick and talking point of Scotland’s campaign covered across television, radio and online.
“Beyond outstanding reporting and analysis of the matches, we’re also bringing audiences a wide range of content from comprehensive news coverage, documentaries that tell the stories behind the big names and moments, to comedy that celebrates the highs, lows and quirks of football fandom. It promises to be a memorable footballing journey, and BBC Scotland will be bringing audiences all the content that matters from start to finish.”
Check the BBC’s dedicated World Cup page for constantly updated coverage of this year’s tournament.
