The BBC has been splitting presenting duties during the World Cup, but Gabby Logan seemed surprised by a comment from her co-presenter.
Gabby Logan was clearly surprised by her colleague’s comments (Image: Getty Images)
Gabby Logan was surprised to learn that fellow broadcaster and podcast co-host Mark Chapman will not be attending the 2026 World Cup final broadcast. Logan will make history as the first woman to lead the high-profile event on BBC television, but Chapman will not be attending the game at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
Both TV anchors are giants of British sports broadcasting, with a combined 60 years of television experience. When Gary Lineker stepped down as host of the BBC’s flagship show Match of the Day last year, the pair, along with Kelly Cates, were announced as his replacements.
During the World Cup, the three have taken turns covering the BBC’s coverage of the tournament from their home base in Salford. However, they have been able to continue with their other broadcasting duties, which is why Chapman will not take up football duties on July 19th.
The 52-year-old has taken time away from his TV work to be the main presenter on 5 Live Sport in radio. Logan will be accompanied by a studio commentator for the final only, with Cates in the US broadcasting the match live on radio from the stadium and Chapman competing in the British Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
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However, Logan appears to have been unaware of these scheduling adjustments. She and Chapman have been co-hosts of The Sports Agents podcast since 2024, and in the latest episode they brought up the topic of the finals.
After England’s 4-2 win over Croatia, the pair realized they were on a bit of a roll even before discussing the possibility of a final against Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions. At this point, a scheduling conflict became apparent.
Logan asked, “Have you started thinking about where you’re going to watch the World Cup final yet? We’re working on it, right?” Chapman replied, “No, I’m not. No, I’m not,” surprising his co-hosts.
Then she asked, “Do you play radio?” Chapman responded, “No, I’m going to go play golf.”
After Logan exclaimed, “Oh my god,” Chapman continued, “Oh my god.” “We’re going to play open golf that weekend. Then we’ll drive home from open golf listening to Kelly and the build-up on the radio. Then we’ll show you all on TV.”
The BBC relinquished the rights to televise the Open in 2016, but Radio 5 Live still retains the rights to provide radio commentary on every globe. This means Chapman will travel to Southport for this coverage next month, and the 2026 edition will be played at Royal Birkdale for the first time since 2017.
The prestigious championship first appeared on the BBC in 1955 and continued to be broadcast on the BBC and its TV channels for 60 years, until Sky Sports acquired the rights ten years ago.
Mark Chapman will not take part in final World Cup assignment (Image: The Sports Agents)
Picking up the conversation, Rogan said: “Are you going to play golf? Oh my god. It could be a special day, right? If England were to play in the World Cup final, I think they might change the tee-off time.”
Mr Chapman replied: “They could move it forward a little bit. Usually they finish between 6pm and 7pm. I think if England or Scotland get to the final they might want to finish between 5pm and 6pm.”
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