Watch Panama vs Croatia: BBC One, Robbie Cowen, Martin Keown & Gabby Logan Lead UK Coverage of FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L Clash
Match date:
Archived Match
This match took place on 23 June 2026.
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Title: Watch Panama vs Croatia: BBC One, Robbie Cowen, Martin Keown & Gabby Logan Lead UK Coverage of FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L Clash The FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L showdown between Panama and Croatia will be broadcast live in the UK on BBC One, with highlights later available on BBC and full audio coverage via BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and BBC Sport Online. As the first meeting between these two nations, the match takes place at BMO Field in Toronto on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, kicking off at 00:00 BST. Croatian dominance in the first half, with goals from Matanovic and Plesa, secured a 2-0 victory at full time, as confirmed by the world feed and BBC’s live updates[2][3]. Leading the UK presenting team is Gabby Logan, a veteran sports broadcaster and former rugby player who has covered multiple World Cups and Olympic Games. Logan will introduce the match alongside Robyn Cowen, the main commentator for BBC One. Cowen, a respected football journalist and former women’s football advocate, made headlines for her inclusive commentary style and extensive work with the BBC during the 2023 Women’s World Cup[1]. Joining her on the bench is Martin Keown, the legendary England defender and now co-commentator, known for his tactical insight since transitioning from Pro Football to punditry after his playing career ended at Arsenal in 2005[1]. The punditry panel includes Ellen White, former England striker and 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro champion, and Steph Houghton, the long-serving England captain and Manchester City legend. Both have been central figures in the growth of women’s football in the UK and are now regular contributors to BBC’s major football coverage[1]. For those preferring audio-only, Mike Minay serves as the main commentator on BBC Radio 5 Live, with Andy Reid as co-commentator. Minay, a former footballer turned broadcaster, has been with the BBC for over a decade, covering major tournaments and domestic leagues. Reid, a former Republic of Ireland midfielder, brings real-time tactical analysis grounded in his professional playing experience[8]. BBC’s digital platforms, including BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Online, will stream the match with geo-location restrictions for UK users only. The service includes live commentary from both Robyn Cowen and Mike Minay, with additional co-commentators Andy Reid and Martin Keown, plus full punditry from Ellen White and Steph Houghton[1]. In the USA, the match is broadcast on FOX ONE and Fox, with Ian Crocker as main commentator and Danny Higginbotham as co-commentator. Crocker, a former English midfielder, is now a leading voice in American football broadcasting, while Higginbotham, a former Premier League player, provides sharp tactical insight[1]. Former official Joe Machnik, a retired FIFA referee, also joins the panel for expert rule analysis[1]. In Ireland, RTÉ 2 will carry the match using the world feed, with commentators David Stowell and Craig Forrest, both seasoned broadcasters with extensive World Cup experience. Stowell is the lead football presenter for RTÉ, while Forrest, a former Canadian goalkeeper, brings international perspective to the commentary[1]. For those seeking niche coverage, talkSPORT 2 offers commentary by Ian Danter and Perry Groves, the latter being a former Arsenal winger and now a popular football pundit known for his candid opinions and humorous style[1]. Panama’s campaign was under pressure after their 95th-minute loss to Ghana, but they secured three points against Croatia thanks to a strong defensive effort and clinical finishing from Croatia[6]. Croatia’s Matanovic and Plesa were the match winners, with both goals coming in the first half[2]. Viewers can follow live updates via ESPN, BBC Sport, and the official FIFA Match Centre. For more details on TV rights and streaming options across the globe, including Zee5 in India and SBS in Australia, visit [ESPN’s coverage](https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/49135852/panama-croatia-fifa-world-cup-2026-tv-channel-how-watch-kick_live-stream-referee-predicted-line-ups)[1]. With BBC One leading the UK broadcast, Robyn Cowen, Martin Keown, and Gabby Logan ensuring top-tier presentation, and Ellen White and Steph Houghton adding expert analysis, this Panama vs Croatia clash is a must-watch for fans of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Whether tuning in live, catching highlights, or following audio commentary, the BBC offers comprehensive coverage for all UK viewers.
Article generated: 24 June 2026, 00:00 GMT