BBC Scotland Football: Expanded Coverage as Scotland Eyes World Cup Glory

BBC Scotland Enhances Football Coverage for 2025

BBC Scotland is set to expand its coverage of the Scottish Football Championship starting in 2025, broadcasting up to 30 live matches from the Scottish Championship each season, representing a significant rise from the current limit of 20 games per season. This expansion comes at a pivotal moment for Scottish football, as the national team prepares for its first World Cup appearance since 1998.

In addition to live games, the broadcaster will introduce a comprehensive highlights program covering the Scottish Championship, as well as League 1 and League 2. The enhanced coverage strengthens BBC Scotland’s position as a key broadcaster for Scottish football, alongside its existing rights to show live free-to-air coverage of one match from each round of the Scottish Cup, including the final, and its popular Sportscene highlights programme.

Scotland’s Historic World Cup Qualification

The timing couldn’t be better for Scottish football fans. Scotland have ended the long wait for a return to the World Cup finals after defeating Denmark in incredible fashion to win their qualifying group. Kieran Tierney’s injury-time goal put Scotland 3-2 ahead but victory and a 4-2 victory was sealed by a long-range screamer from Kenny McLean in a thrilling qualifier at Hampden Park.

The men’s side will now play at a first World Cup since 1998 when they compete in North America next summer at what is to be the biggest tournament yet, with 48 teams taking part. Scotland topped Group C in qualifying, marking the first time since 1982 they’ve qualified as group winners.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Having been placed in Pot 3, they will face a daunting test against Brazil from Pot 1 and Morocco, semi-finalists at the last World Cup, from Pot 2, and will also face Haiti from Pot 4. BBC Scotland’s expanded coverage will ensure fans can follow the build-up to the tournament comprehensively across multiple platforms, including the BBC Scotland channel, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website.

With enhanced broadcasting agreements running through the 2028-29 season and Scotland’s return to the world stage, Scottish football enters an exciting new era with unprecedented media coverage and renewed national pride.