Ahead of **Scotland** meeting **Brazil** once again in the upcoming **Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026**, Scottish football superfan and one of the UK’s most critically acclaimed comedians **Kevin Bridges** is undertaking an international journey to examine the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance. Travelling to locations including **Brazil**, **Scotland** and the USA, the programme explores how football is experienced across different communities and environments.
**Kevin Bridges**: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1×60’) is a brand-new commission for **BBC Scotland**, BBC One and iPlayer and will be made by **Bango Studios**, the production company established by BAFTA, RTS and Grierson-winning producers **Emily Hudd** and **Iain Wimbush**.
The special will follow **Bridges** as he engages with players, supporters and local voices to understand the role football plays today, examining themes of identity, community and change, and how the meaning of the game may have evolved over time.
For the first time in 28 years **Scotland** are going to the **FIFA Men’s World Cup**. And, in a beautiful coincidence (or nightmare) they’re playing **Brazil** again. It’s indisputably the biggest sporting event in **Scotland**’s recent memory and gives **Scotland** the opportunity to score their first ever victory over **Brazil** and a result that would instantly become one of the most memorable in Scottish football history.
Part travel adventure and part football investigation, **Kevin Bridges**: In Search of the Beautiful Game will see **Kevin** immerse himself in the deep-rooted relationship with football found across the world. And it’s **Kevin**’s own personal mission to see whether the joy of football he experienced in the **1998 World Cup** still exists in football today.
**Kevin Bridges** said: “I’ve been a football fan for as long as I can remember, I was 11 years old when **Scotland** last qualified for the World Cup, a lot has changed about football since then and like a lot of people, I’ve become a little disillusioned with where the game is headed. I’m excited to be setting out on this mission; to see if the game still has a soul and that its beauty is not yet lost.”
**Kalpna Patel-Knight**, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, said: “**Kevin Bridges** is one of the UK’s most beloved comedians, as well as a lifelong football obsessive. For the first time in 28 years, **Scotland** are back in the World Cup, and so **Kevin**’s off on an international journey to explore the contemporary state of football, its cultural significance and enduring appeal, in the hope he can bring home a few tips. We cannot wait to bring **Kevin**’s adventures to screen ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the **FIFA Men’s World Cup** this year.”
**Louise Thornton**, Head of Commissioning, **BBC Scotland**, said: “**Kevin** will be treating audiences to his trademark wit on a journey which will be a perfect warm-up to **Scotland**’s return to the World Cup stage. He combines genuine admiration for **Brazil**’s footballing prowess with the traditional passion of a proud **Scotland** supporter. The result is a win for viewers – a documentary that’s funny, curious, and heartfelt.”
**Iain Wimbush**, Executive Producer for **Bango Studios**, said: “We all know what an incredible talent **Kevin** is – and it’s an honour to work with him on this passion project and create his own personal countdown to the world cup.”
**Kevin Bridges**: In Search of the Beautiful Game will air ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the **FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026**.
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