Kevin Bridges explores state of football in 'heartfelt' World Cup documentary

Kevin Bridges will travel to Brazil and the US for a new BBC documentary which will examine football's cultural significance ahead of the World Cup.

The comedian will meet players, supporters and locals on his travels ahead of Scotland's first appearance in the tournament in 28 years.

Steve Clarke's side will face Haiti and Morocco in Boston before taking on five-time winners Brazil in Miami.

The programme will also see Bridges reflect on what has changed since he watched France 1998 as a schoolboy.

Bridges said: "I've been a football fan for as long as I can remember, I was 11 years old when Scotland last qualified for the World Cup, a lot has changed about football since then and like a lot of people, I've become a little disillusioned with where the game is headed.

"I'm excited to be setting out on this mission; to see if the game still has a soul and that its beauty is not yet lost."

Bridges plans to examine how football is experienced across different communities and environments.

He will also reflect on how themes of identity, community and change, and how the meaning of the game may have evolved over time.

Scotland qualified for the finals in November after a thrilling 4-2 Hampden victory over Denmark.

In France 1998, the national side, managed by the late Craig Brown, was also drawn against the then defending champions Brazil and Morocco.

But the opening match against Haiti on 14 June will be the first meeting between the nations.

The 2026 edition will feature 48 teams and be played from 11 June to 19 July in 16 cities across the US, Canada and Mexico.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment commissioning at the BBC, said: "Kevin Bridges is one of the UK's most beloved comedians, as well as a lifelong football obsessive.

"For the first time in 28 years, Scotland are back in the World Cup, and so Kevin's off on an international journey to explore the contemporary state of football, its cultural significance and enduring appeal, in the hope he can bring home a few tips.

Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said the documentary would be "funny, curious and heartfelt".

She added: "Kevin will be treating audiences to his trademark wit on a journey which will be a perfect warm-up to Scotland's return to the World Cup stage.

"He combines genuine admiration for Brazil's footballing prowess with the traditional passion of a proud Scotland supporter."

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