Who are the BBC commentators, pundits and presenters for Argentina vs Austria?
Lionel Messi is on the brink of World Cup history as the defending champions return to action in Group J
The BBC commentators, pundits and presenters for Argentina’s World Cup 2026 clash with Austria have been revealed.
The reigning champions made the perfect start to their title defence as they beat Algeria 3-0 in their Group J opener in Kansas, courtesy of a Lionel Messi hat-trick.
The Argentina skipper needs just one goal to become the outright top goalscorer in World Cup history, having moved level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16, and he will hope to do that against Austria, who also took three points from their first match after beating Jordan 3-1.
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BBC’s complete list of commentators, pundits and presenters for Argentina vs Austria
There is plenty at stake in the 6pm kick-off (BST), with the winner sealing qualification for the last 32 and Messi chasing history - and you can watch it live on the BBC.
The coverage will be presented by Gabby Logan, who is a familiar face to British football fans having first appeared on Sky Sports 30 years ago.
Logan will be joined in the studio by three former players - and one in particular knows a fair bit about scoring goals.
Former France striker Olivier Giroud has appeared regularly on the BBC’s World Cup coverage this tournament, and the 39-year-old - who until last week was Les Bleus’ all-time top goalscorer - will surely be keeping a close eye on Messi’s quest to make history.
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The ex-Arsenal star will be flanked by two former defenders, including Chelsea legend Cesar Azpilicueta.
The 36-year-old spent 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge and went to five major tournaments with Spain, including three World Cups.
Completing the panel will be former Wales skipper Ashley Williams, who captained his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and is a regular pundit on the BBC.
Steve Bower will be providing commentary on BBC One, having first represented the broadcaster at the World Cup in 2010.
He will be joined on the gantry by co-commentator Danny Murphy, another familiar figure on and off the pitch.
The former Liverpool and Fulham midfielder regularly appears on Match of the Day throughout the domestic season and has become a key part of the BBC team.
James Roberts is a freelance sports journalist working for FourFourTwo and other titles. He started his career at the Oxford Mail, where he covered Oxford United home and away, before becoming a sports sub-editor for various national newspapers.
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