BBC staff strike as new director general warns of ‘tough choices’ on his first day
BBC staff strike on new director general's first day amid budget cuts warning
The Guardian World1 min read
BBC Sport announces World Cup coverage plans
TL;DR
BBC Sport will cover all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Viewers can watch 54 games live on BBC television and follow the action on various digital platforms.
Key points
- BBC Sport will cover all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- 54 games will be broadcast live on BBC television
- Coverage available on BBC's digital platforms including iPlayer and Radio 5 Live
- New YouTube and TikTok channels will feature live streaming
- Pundits and reporters will provide coverage from the tournament locations
BBC Sport has announced its plans for the 2026 Fifa World Cup which gets under way next month, featuring coverage of all 104 matches in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
There will be 54 games broadcast live on BBC television, while audiences can follow every game across the BBC's digital platforms.
You can keep on top of the action across iPlayer, Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website & app, YouTube and social media.
The brand-new BBC Football YouTube and TikTok channels will include live streaming build-up and the opening 10 minutes of the biggest matches.
An all-star cast of pundits will join BBC Sport's television coverage of the tournament from Salford, while reporters on the ground in the United States, Canada and Mexico will bring the latest stories.
Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott will lead BBC Sport's TV coverage, joined by pundits including Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, Ellen White, Steph Houghton, Rachel Corsie, Olivier Giroud, Joe Hart, Cesar Azpilicueta, Benni McCarthy, Lucas Leiva and Thomas Frank.
"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," said Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC Director of Sport.
"Sport truly unites people like nothing else 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 and iPlayer, the biggest news stories on our website and app, 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 the heart of the World Cup."
BBC Scotland will provide in-depth coverage of Scotland's first men's World Cup since 1998.
"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," said Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland.
The 2026 World Cup begins on Thursday, 11 June, with the final taking place on Sunday, 19 July.
Q&A
What are the BBC Sport's coverage plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
BBC Sport plans to broadcast 54 matches live on television and cover all 104 matches across its digital platforms.
Where can I watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches on BBC?
You can watch the matches on BBC television, iPlayer, Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app.
What new features will BBC Sport offer for the World Cup coverage?
BBC Sport will launch new YouTube and TikTok channels featuring live streaming build-up and the opening 10 minutes of key matches.
