YouTube collective will watch Ecuador v Germany on YouTube and iPlayer

Sidemen Charity Match

BBC Sport and The Sidemen will produce a live watchalong of Ecuador and Germany’s World Cup clash. 

Taking place on 25 June, the watchalong will be streamed live across BBC Football’s YouTube channel, the Sidemen’s MoreSidemen YouTube channel and BBC iPlayer. 

Sidemen members Tobi, Simon, Ethan and Josh will host pre-match build-up from 8:45pm before providing their own live commentary, reactions and analysis throughout the game. Viewers in the UK will also be able to watch the BBC’s live match coverage available on-screen through picture-in-picture on both YouTube and iPlayer. 

The BBC’s regular coverage will also be available on BBC1 and iPlayer, beginning at 8:30pm. 

Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: “Millions of fans now follow football through creators, streams and social platforms alongside traditional broadcasts. This is about bringing those worlds together.

“The Sidemen have built one of the biggest communities anywhere online and we’re excited to work with them on something that has never been done before at a World Cup. It’s a chance to reach audiences in new ways while still delivering the live action that matters most.”

Jonny Keogh, head of UK sports at YouTube said: “It is incredible to see this iconic group do what they do best: bringing people together and fuelling passion at one of the biggest cultural events of the year. By partnering with the Sidemen, the BBC is showcasing true broadcast innovation whilst embracing modern fandom. This alternative stream amplifies the BBC’s outstanding World Cup coverage, drawing in a younger, British audience by allowing them to experience the beautiful game through the lens of the creators they love most. It’s a powerful partnership that ensures the World Cup’s cultural impact resonates deeper than ever before.”

Sidemen CEO Victor Bengtsson said: “Football culture has changed. Millions of fans now experience the game together through creators, communities and live digital conversation alongside the traditional broadcasts.

“Partnering with the BBC for this World Cup watch-along is a chance to bring those worlds together at the biggest sporting event on earth - combining the emotion of live football with the energy and scale of online fandom in a way that feels genuinely new.”