BBC Match of the Day commentary team for France v Croatia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup final

Match date: 27 May 2026

BBC One and BBC iPlayer are the key UK outlets for watching major football programming, and for the 2018 FIFA World Cup final the BBC’s coverage centred on Gary Lineker in the presenter role, with Alan Shearer and Jermaine Jenas among the pundits listed for the programme. The match itself was the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where France beat Croatia 4-2 at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow to win their second World Cup title. [1][2]

Gary Lineker is one of British football television’s most familiar faces, having built a long broadcasting career after finishing as one of England’s most accomplished strikers. His association with major tournament coverage has made him a central figure for BBC football output, particularly on flagship programmes such as Match of the Day. Alan Shearer, another former England international, has become a regular and highly recognisable pundit for the BBC, while Jermaine Jenas has also established himself as a prominent television analyst after a playing career in the Premier League and for England. [2]

The final in Moscow delivered plenty for BBC analysis. France’s victory came through goals from Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé, with Mario Mandžukić scoring one of Croatia’s goals as the match ended 4-2. It was the highest-scoring World Cup final since 1966 and the first final since 2002 to be decided without extra time, giving BBC viewers a dramatic night to accompany the studio discussion. [1]

For British audiences, the BBC’s coverage of a World Cup final typically combines live presentation, studio debate and tactical reaction, and this match was no exception. The presence of Lineker, Shearer and Jenas meant the post-match conversation would have been shaped by three well-known figures with direct top-level football experience, helping the programme bridge live sport and expert analysis. [2]

France’s triumph also placed the 2018 tournament in a wider historical context. The win made France the fourth consecutive European nation to lift the trophy, following Italy, Spain and Germany, underlining the continent’s dominance in that era. Luka Modrić was named the tournament’s best player, while England striker Harry Kane finished as top scorer with six goals. [2]

BBC viewers watching through BBC One, HD or BBC iPlayer would therefore have seen coverage of one of the most memorable World Cup finals in modern times, backed by a broadcast team built around some of the best-known names in British football media. For more on the tournament itself, see the 2018 FIFA World Cup. [2]

Article generated: 27 May 2026, 22:56 GMT