How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup on BBC Radio 5 Live with Mark Chapman

Match date: 26 June 2026

For fans of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the action on Friday, June 26 extends to the pitch with live coverage from BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sounds app, bringing the tournament to audiences across the UK and beyond. Starting at 13:00 UK time, listeners will be able to tune in for live commentary presented by the veteran broadcaster Mark Chapman, who headlines the BBC’s radio team for this historic tournament in North America. As one of the BBC’s most trusted sports presenters, Chapman has decades of experience anchoring major football events, including UEFA Champions League finals and Premier League coverage, making him a natural fit to lead the World Cup radio commentary.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, features 104 matches across 16 stadiums, with BBC Radio 5 Live delivering live commentary on 92 of them. Alongside Chapman, the commentary team includes experienced voices such as John Murray, Ian Dennis, Alistair Bruce-Ball, Vicki Sparks, and Jonathan Pearce, who have previously covered major tournaments for the BBC. The broadcast will also feature in-depth analysis from former players like Chris Sutton, Dion Dublin, Paul Robinson, and Pat Nevin, adding expert insight into every moment of the action.

To access the live coverage, fans can listen via DAB digital radio, through their television package, or online using the BBC Sounds app or the BBC Sport website. The app is available for iOS and Android devices, though users outside the UK may need to adjust their region settings to access the service. A valid BBC account is required, which can be registered using a UK postcode such as SE1 7PB. For those who prefer traditional radio, BBC Radio 5 Live can also be accessed via MW frequencies at 693 kHz, 909 kHz, and 990 kHz.

Beyond BBC Radio 5 Live, fans can also follow live commentary through talkSPORT, which will broadcast every single match of the tournament. The talkSPORT app and website offer streaming options for listeners in the UK and internationally. In the US, SiriusXM FC serves as the dedicated soccer radio service, providing comprehensive coverage of all 104 matches. These platforms ensure that no fan, regardless of location, will miss a moment of the World Cup.

On Friday, June 26, the schedule includes Group F matches between Tunisia and Netherlands at 12:00 AM in Kansas City Stadium, and Japan versus Sweden at 12:00 AM in Dallas Stadium. Group D features Turkey against USA at 3:00 AM in Los Angeles Stadium, and Paraguay versus Australia at 3:00 AM in San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Later in the evening, Group I matches pit Norway against France at 8:00 PM in Boston Stadium, and Senegal versus Iraq at 8:00 PM in Toronto Stadium. All times are in UK time and may change as the tournament progresses.

Mark Chapman’s leadership of the BBC’s radio coverage underscores the broadcaster’s commitment to delivering world-class football commentary to its audience. With Chapman’s extensive career covering football at every level, from grassroots to elite international tournaments, listeners can expect a seamless blend of expert analysis, live commentary, and engaging build-up to every match. His presence on BBC Radio 5 Live ensures that fans remain connected to the drama and excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, whether they are listening at home, on the road, or abroad.

For more information on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including team standings, match schedules, and player profiles, fans can visit the official BBC Sport FIFA World Cup page. This resource provides comprehensive coverage of the tournament, ensuring that supporters stay informed throughout the event.

In summary, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a global spectacle, and BBC Radio 5 Live, led by Mark Chapman, offers one of the most accessible and reliable ways to follow the action. With live commentary, expert analysis, and seamless streaming options, fans can enjoy every moment of the tournament from the comfort of their homes or while on the move. Whether tuning in via BBC Sounds, DAB radio, or alternative platforms like talkSPORT and SiriusXM, the World Cup experience is guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Article generated: 26 June 2026, 13:01 GMT