BBC Scotland will deliver an extensive range of content on television, radio and online as Scotland returns to football’s biggest stage after 28 years.
Fans will be able to follow every moment of the campaign through a mix of live broadcasts, expert analysis, digital content, and on-the-ground reporting. The coverage will capture all the drama of Scotland’s group stage journey when they’ll face Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.
From live match commentary and in-depth analysis to behind-the-scenes storytelling and specially commissioned documentaries and features, BBC Scotland’s output will ensure audiences don’t miss a second of the action and excitement in North America.
Louise Thornton, head of commissioning, BBC Scotland, said: “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.”
The excitement kicks off on Sunday 14 June, Scotland take on Haiti – the first game in their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.
Scotland’s first group match will be live on BBC One and on BBC iPlayer with Liam McLeod commentating for audiences across the UK and James McFadden joining him in the commentary box. The highly anticipated final group match against previous World Cup winners, Brazil, on Wednesday 24 June will also be live on BBC One and iPlayer.
Every game will have live text reports on the BBC Scotland Sport website and the social media team will have the best video and compelling stories from the team camp and with the fans across the tournament.
There’ll also be live Scottish Gaelic commentaries of Scotland’s three group games on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and BBC Sounds with commentary from Alasdair MacLennan.
Amy Irons and Steven Mill will be following Scotland’s campaign and bringing listeners close to the action with special editions of The Saturday Show at the World Cup. With exclusive access, guests, and live reaction, the shows will put a spotlight on the moments that matter.
Irons said: “I’m so excited to be following Scotland’s World Cup journey up close. It’s going to be an incredible experience, and we can’t wait to bring listeners right into the heart of it.”
Mill added: “Taking the show on the road across the States for the World Cup is going to be special. We’ll have big guests, great stories, and all the reaction as it happens.”
Scottish football’s odd couple – Tam Cowan and Stuart Cosgrove – will tackle the big talking points in their inimitable style with World Cup editions of Off the Ball on BBC Radio Scotland during the group stage. Jonathan Sutherland will host a daily Scotland World Cup podcast on BBC Sounds and iPlayer and there’ll be a live update on YouTube every day with all the latest from the USA during the tournament.
The news team’s sports podcast Spòrscast will preview and dissect all of Scotland’s matches throughout the competition, while Tadhal, a new informal visualised podcast focusing on Scotland’s participation in the World Cup, will also be available on BBC Alba’s YouTube page.
BBC Scotland News teams will be with Scotland fans every step of the way, at home and in North America. They’ll capture the nerves, excitement and anticipation as the tournament approaches, and follow supporters through those crucial group-stage deciders.
In the run-up to the Finals there are also specially commissioned programmes to warm up the audience including an extra episode of Icons of Scottish Football, featuring veteran international goalkeeper, Craig Gordon.
