Chelsea legends Giroud and Azpilicueta join BBC's comprehensive broadcast team for the expanded 104-match tournament across North America.
The BBC has unveiled an impressive roster of football talent to anchor their 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage, with French striker Olivier Giroud and Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta leading the star-studded punditry lineup alongside Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy.
The British broadcaster confirmed it will provide comprehensive coverage of all 104 matches across the expanded tournament format, which will see games played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This represents the most extensive World Cup coverage in the competition's history, reflecting FIFA's ambitious vision for the first-ever tri-nation hosted tournament.
For African football fans, the 2026 World Cup promises unprecedented representation with the continent securing nine guaranteed spots in the 48-team format. This expansion creates massive opportunities for nations like Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, and emerging powerhouses to showcase their talent on the global stage alongside established European stars like Giroud and Azpilicueta.
The enhanced BBC coverage will ensure African diaspora communities and continental viewers get front-row access to what could be a breakthrough tournament for African football. With legends like Giroud, who has faced Africa's finest throughout his career, providing expert analysis, the stage is perfectly set for the continent's rising stars to capture global attention.
