About the state of football as Scotland return to the tournament

Kevin Bridges is to make a documentary about the state of modern football, timed to coincide with Scotland’s return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

The 60-minute film, Kevin Bridges: In Search Of Thhe Beautiful Game, will air on BBC One, BBC Scotland and iPlayer ahead of this year’s tournament.

It follows Bridges as he visits travelling to Brazil, Scotland and the United States. He talks to players, supporters and local voices about what football means to the communities they live in and whether the joy he remembers from watching the 1998 World Cup – the last time Scotland qualified – still exists in the game today.

Bridges, who was 11 in 1998, 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.’

Scotland have been drawn against Brazil in Group C — the same opponents they faced at France 98, a game Brazil won 2-1. The two sides meet again on June 24 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game is being made by Bango Studios, a production company run by producers Emily Hudd and Iain Wimbush.

Wimbush 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.’

Louise Thornton, head of commissioning for BBC Scotland, added: ‘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.

The documentary is  directed by Tommy Forbes and produced by Liam O’Hare. 

Published: 17 Apr 2026