BBC Sport and Sidemen team up for their first ever World Cup watch-along on YouTube and BBC iPlayer

BBC Sport is teaming up with powerhouse British YouTube collective, the Sidemen, for a live watch-along of Ecuador v Germany on Thursday 25 June, bringing a full FIFA World Cup match to YouTube.

The watch-along will be streamed live across BBC Football's YouTube channel, the Sidemen’s MoreSidemen YouTube channel and BBC iPlayer, giving fans a new way to follow a key World Cup match.

Four members of the Sidemen - 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 watching on YouTube in the UK will be able to follow a World Cup match in full alongside creator-led commentary, with the BBC's live match coverage available on-screen through picture-in-picture.

The collaboration will see the BBC bring together one of the world's biggest football tournaments with one of the UK's most influential creator groups, opening up World Cup coverage to new audiences and creating a viewing experience designed for football fans who increasingly consume sport through digital platforms.

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.”

Ecuador v Germany is also live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursday 25 June, with coverage beginning at 8.30pm. Commentary will also be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 9pm.

The Sidemen watch-along is available from 8.45pm on BBC Football's YouTube channel, the Sidemen’s MoreSidemen YouTube channel and BBC iPlayer.

RM4

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