Match of the Day Ushers in Historic Three-Presenter Format for 2026 Season

5 January 2026 Sports Media

A New Chapter for Britain’s Premier Football Show

Match of the Day, the iconic BBC programme that has been a staple of British football coverage, continues to deliver comprehensive Premier League highlights as it navigates significant changes this year. Former England international striker Gary Lineker served as the series’ longest-serving presenter from 1999 to 2025, marking the end of an era for the beloved Saturday night show.

Revolutionary Three-Presenter Format Takes Centre Stage

Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan are the new Match of the Day presenters from next season, with this being the first time the role will be shared between three people. Mark Chapman has been handling presenting duties alongside pundits Alan Shearer and Jermain Defoe, whilst the three presenters share presenting duties, with Saturday’s episodes seeing Chapman joined by expert analysts. The trio will split presenting duties for Match of the Day 2 on Sundays and MOTD: Champions League on Wednesdays, as well as Saturday’s flagship show.

Continuing Excellence in Football Coverage

Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 remain available for live streaming on BBC iPlayer, now available on iPlayer shortly after midnight on the day of the broadcast. Match of the Day is one of the BBC’s longest-running shows, having been on air since 22 August 1964, and in 2015, Guinness World Records recognised it as the longest-running football television programme in the world. This legacy continues to shape British football culture, providing millions of viewers with essential match analysis and highlights.

What This Means for Football Fans

The transition represents a bold new direction for the BBC’s flagship football programme. For the first time, the role of lead presenter across the BBC’s iconic Premier League highlights programmes will be shared by three presenters, ensuring fresh perspectives and diverse expertise. With the 2026 season well underway, viewers can expect the same high-quality coverage they’ve come to expect, delivered through this innovative format that honours tradition whilst embracing change. The show remains freely accessible to UK audiences, continuing its democratic approach to bringing football to the masses.