Gabby Logan was taken aback during a recent episode of The Sports Agents podcast when her co-host, Mark Chapman, revealed he will not be covering the 2026 World Cup final for the BBC. Logan, who is set to front the BBC's coverage of the final, will become the first woman to do so.
Logan Unaware of Chapman's Plans
During the podcast, after England's 4-2 win over Croatia, the duo discussed their plans for the final, with the possibility of England reaching it. Logan asked Chapman, “Are you already kind of working out where you're going to watch the World Cup final? Because you're working on it, aren't you?” Chapman replied, “No, I'm not. No, I'm not,” leaving Logan stunned. She then asked, “Are you doing radio?” to which Chapman revealed, “No, I'll be at the golf.”
Logan muttered, “Oh, God,” before Chapman explained he would be covering The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. “I'm doing The Open golf that weekend, and then I will drive back from The Open golf listening to Kelly and the build-up on the radio and then I'll catch some of you on the telly,” he said.
Broadcasting Royalty
Both Logan and Chapman are esteemed figures in British sports broadcasting, with a combined 60-plus years of television experience. Alongside Kelly Cates, they were named successors to Gary Lineker on Match of the Day last year. At the World Cup, the trio have been sharing hosting duties from their base in Salford.
For the final, Logan will be the sole host on television, while Cates will be in the United States covering the game live from the stadium for radio, and Chapman will be at The Open. The BBC lost the TV rights to The Open in 2016 after 60 years, but Radio 5 Live still retains full radio coverage rights.
Potential Schedule Changes
Logan suggested that tee-off times might be adjusted if England reaches the final. Chapman agreed, noting, “Normally, it finishes between 6pm and 7pm. I would imagine if England or Scotland are in the final, they may want it to finish between 5pm and 6pm.”
The revelation left Logan momentarily speechless, highlighting the unexpected twist in their World Cup coverage plans.
