Alex Scott leads BBC Football Focus as BBC viewers build up to Chelsea v Manchester City in FA Cup final preview

Match date: 16 May 2026

Alex Scott leads BBC Football Focus as BBC viewers build up to Chelsea v Manchester City in FA Cup final preview

BBC Football Focus will set the tone for FA Cup final day this Saturday, with Alex Scott fronting a special programme on BBC One, BBC Sport Online and BBC iPlayer ahead of Chelsea v Manchester City at Wembley. For British viewers, the big talking point is not just the final itself, but the fact that the BBC remains one of the key places to follow the build-up, with TNT Sports also carrying live coverage of the showpiece in the UK.

Broadcast at 12:00pm, the programme comes as part of a full day of domestic football coverage and gives fans a chance to hear expert analysis before the 3pm kick-off at the national stadium. The FA has confirmed that the final will also be shown live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with the match taking place at Wembley Stadium, the traditional home of English football’s biggest domestic occasion. More details on the match itself and broadcast arrangements can be found via the FA’s official announcement here: The FA Cup final kick-off confirmation.

Alex Scott, born in 1984, has become one of the BBC’s most recognisable football presenters since moving into broadcasting after a distinguished playing career. The former England international and ex-Arsenal right-back won multiple league titles and the Women’s FA Cup as a player, and her experience has made her a trusted voice on major tournaments and cup occasions. Scott’s calm, informed presenting style has helped make Football Focus a staple of BBC football coverage for viewers wanting analysis that is both accessible and authoritative.

Joining her on the sofa are Nedum Onuoha and Dion Dublin, two pundits with very different but equally valuable backgrounds. Onuoha, a former Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers defender, is known for his sharp tactical observations and his ability to explain defensive structure in straightforward terms. Since retiring from playing, he has carved out a strong reputation across BBC and radio football coverage, offering a modern analyst’s eye on Premier League and cup football alike.

Dion Dublin brings a broader perspective as a former striker who represented clubs including Manchester United, Coventry City and Aston Villa. A Premier League golden boot contender in his playing days and a familiar face to BBC audiences for many years, Dublin combines insight into attacking play with a warm, engaging on-screen presence. His long media career, including work on property and factual programming, has also made him one of the most versatile personalities in British television.

Saturday’s Football Focus episode is expected to lean heavily on the key themes surrounding the final: Chelsea’s return to another major Wembley occasion, Manchester City’s continued pursuit of silverware, and the tactical battle that will decide one of the biggest days in the English football calendar. The BBC’s pre-match coverage is particularly useful for fans who want a broader context before switching to live commentary, with the programme typically mixing interviews, clips, debate and behind-the-scenes detail.

The final itself will also be heard on radio through BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT, ensuring comprehensive access for supporters on the move. That wide availability reflects the enduring appeal of the FA Cup, a competition that continues to command national attention even in an era dominated by league football and European tournaments.

For viewers wondering how to watch, the main UK options are clear: BBC One and BBC iPlayer for free-to-air coverage, alongside TNT Sports for subscribers via HBO Max and other partner platforms. That means the BBC’s build-up on Football Focus remains an important part of the day for millions of fans, especially those who still value pre-match analysis from familiar and respected names in British sport.

With Wembley ready, the presenters in place, and two heavyweight clubs preparing to battle for one of football’s most historic trophies, BBC viewers can expect Alex Scott, Nedum Onuoha and Dion Dublin to provide a lively, informed and distinctly British lead-in to the 2026 FA Cup final.

Article generated: 16 May 2026, 12:01 GMT