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BBC to Broadcast New Zealand v Belgium World Cup Clash With Vicki Sparks on Commentary
World Cup 2026

BBC to Broadcast New Zealand v Belgium World Cup Clash With Vicki Sparks on Commentary

1 hour ago·1 min

New Zealand and Belgium meet in a high-stakes World Cup Group G finale, with both sides battling to keep their Round of 32 ambitions alive — and the BBC will carry the match live on BBC One.

Kick-off falls at 4am UK time, meaning the broadcaster has opted for a streamlined overnight coverage package with no studio presenter or pundits assigned to the fixture. Instead, Vicki Sparks will lead commentary, joined in the co-commentary booth by Dion Dublin, the former Manchester United and England striker.

What's at stake

New Zealand head into the match having claimed just one point from their opening two games — a 2-2 draw with Iran followed by a 3-1 defeat to Egypt. The All Whites sit bottom of Group G and need a result to have any chance of progressing.

Belgium, managed by Rudi Garcia, find themselves in an equally uncomfortable position. Back-to-back draws have left the Red Devils trailing Iran in the standings, and only a win will lift them into second place and secure qualification.

A shock victory for New Zealand would throw the group wide open, depending on the outcome of the simultaneously broadcast Group G encounter between Egypt and Iran, which the BBC are also showing live.

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