Wales-Ukraine on TV: World Cup Playoff coverage details

The much-anticipated Wales-Ukraine World Cup playoff is on TV this Sunday, June 5. The game comes after Ukraine defeated Scotland in a playoff on Wednesday by a score of 3-1. Now, the winner of this game punches its ticket to the World Cup in Qatar in November.

Wales-Ukraine on TV: How to watch

Kickoff time: Noon ET / 9 a.m. PT – Sunday, June 5
Watch now (in USA): Live on ESPN, ESPN+, TUDN and fuboTV (in English-language)
Commentators: Jon Champion and Taylor Twellman
US TV: Match is on ESPN, ESPN+ and TUDN

This is the last game under the contract between UEFA and ESPN to air soccer games. Moving forward, virtually all European international soccer is on the FOX family of networks. This includes things like the UEFA Nations League, UEFA World Cup Qualifying, and, of course, the European Championships. FOX acquired those rights back in late 2021.

The Wales-Ukraine game is on TV via ESPN, but you can also stream it using ESPN+ or a variety of streaming options. fuboTV is just one example, but ESPN is also available on DirecTV Stream, Sling Orange, Vidgo and Hulu + Live TV.

Game coverage

As stated previously, Jon Champion and Taylor Twellman will call the game. There is also studio coverage from ESPN hosted by Kay Murray. Alejandro Moreno and Danny Higginbotham.

Unfortunately, this game is being called from the studio in Bristol, CT. However, the passion from Cardiff City’s Stadium from both Wales supporters and Ukraine supporters should be dramatic.

World Cup Bid

Whichever side wins this game will be the last UEFA side to qualify for the World Cup. The Russian invasion of Ukraine postponed this playoff, which UEFA scheduled for March 24 and March 29. That was just a month after Russia invaded.

Wales defeated Austria back on March 24. Gareth Bale scored a pair of goals to put Wales on the verge of qualifying for its first World Cup since 1958. That year, Wales reached the quarterfinals, only to lost to Brazil, 1-0. The scorer of that goal was Pelé, who went on to score three goals in the semifinal and two more in the Final.

Ukraine carries the hopes of its entire nation. At the World Cup, Ukraine last appeared in 2006. In a similar fashion to Wales, this is Ukraine’s only appearance as a sovereign nation. Moreover, the Ukrainians reached the quarterfinals that year, losing to the eventual winners, Italy, 3-0.

The winner of this game gets put into Group B at the World Cup. FIFA’s World Cup draw took place with Wales/Ukraine/Scotland grouped as one team with their playoff still in the waiting. The other teams in Group B are England, the United States of America and Iran.