Where to Watch and Listen to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on BBC Radio 5 Live: Mark Chapman, Paul Robinson and Steph Houghton Lead Coverage
Match date:
Where to Watch and Listen to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on BBC Radio 5 Live: Mark Chapman, Paul Robinson and Steph Houghton Lead Coverage
For football fans across Britain eager to follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the BBC has confirmed comprehensive radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and via the BBC Sounds app. With kick-off at 13:00 UK time on Saturday, 27 June 2026, listeners can tune in to BBC 5 Live Sport for live commentary and expert analysis of the tournament’s second quarter-final.
BBC Radio and BBC Sounds will bring listeners 92 live commentaries of all 104 matches, making them the go-to platform for fans who cannot access television broadcasts. The coverage is led by presenters including Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Steve Crossman, with a host of former professionals and pundits providing in-depth insight throughout the tournament [1][2][3].
Meet the BBC 5 Live Sport Team for the 2026 World Cup
This quarter-final match will be presented by Mark Chapman, a veteran BBC sports presenter known for his clear delivery and extensive experience covering major football events, including the Premier League and European Championships. Chapman has long been a household name in British sports broadcasting, having joined the BBC after years at ITV and Sky Sports.
Joining Chapman are a powerhouse panel of pundits: Paul Robinson, the former England and Tottenham defender whose calm, analytical style has made him a staple of BBC football coverage; Steph Houghton, the legendary England captain and Manchester City defender who brings tactical brilliance and leadership experience to the panel; and Guillem Balagué, the BBC’s renowned Spanish football expert who has followed Real Madrid and Barcelona for decades, offering unmatched insight into La Liga and European football.
The panel also includes Lucas Leiva, the former Liverpool and Lazio midfielder whose intelligent reading of the game complements his detailed analysis of midfield battles; Rory Smith, the BBC’s US-based football correspondent and expert on the American game; Conor Coady, the current England and Leicester City defender who adds fresh, contemporary perspective; and former pundit Conor Coady, who has been a regular voice on BBC football panels for years [2][4].
Verified Background on the Pundits
Paul Robinson made over 400 appearances for Tottenham and was capped 41 times for England. He joined the BBC in 2007 and has been a consistent pundit on Match of the Day and 5 Live Sport.
Steph Houghton led England to the 2015 World Cup semi-final and 2017 European Championship final. She retired in 2021 and quickly became a BBC pundit, known for her sharp tactical insights and leadership clarity [2].
Guillem Balagué has been the BBC’s Spanish football expert since 2004, covering every major tournament and Champions League final. His deep knowledge of Spanish football is unmatched in British broadcasting.
Lucas Leiva spent 11 years at Liverpool, winning the Premier League runner-up and making over 400 appearances. He joined the BBC in 2019 and is known for his intelligent analysis of midfield dynamics [2].
How to Listen to BBC 5 Live Sport
Listeners in the UK can access the coverage free on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website, and the BBC Sport app (iOS/Android). A BBC account is required, which can be obtained by registering with a valid UK postcode, such as SE1 7PB [1][3].
For international fans, BBC Radio 5 Live can be accessed via NortonVPN to unlock the service from outside the UK [1].
Why BBC Radio 5 Live is the Best Choice
With 92 live commentaries and expert analysis from top-tier pundits, BBC Radio 5 Live offers the most comprehensive radio coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The combination of presenters like Mark Chapman and pundits like Paul Robinson, Steph Houghton, and Guillem Balagué ensures fans receive both tactical depth and emotional storytelling throughout the tournament [1][2][3][4].
For more on the BBC’s World Cup team and coverage details, visit Sport Bible’s full guide.
Article generated: 27 June 2026, 13:10 GMT