There's no Sam Pang, but this World Cup hit is back at its spiritual home

Cup Fever!, a long-running sport-themed panel show from Australia, is back on SBS for the 2026 World Cup, returning to its spiritual home after a history of spin-offs across ABC iview, Fox Sports, and radio. The nightly recap blends match discussion, analysis, guest spots and sketches, anchored by Santo Cilauro and Ed Kavalee, with Sam Pang not co-hosting but expected to appear. With 48 nations set to compete—the largest field in World Cup history—the show aims to preserve its informal, music-and-mayhem vibe rather than a traditional sports broadcast. A new legend will take Bresci's Diary's place, with former Socceroo Mark Bresciano contributing highlights.

Each host brings a distinct strength: Cilauro's European-rooted football affection and Kavalee's encyclopedic knowledge, while the format balances live energy with pre-recorded material. The piece notes pre-recorded segments filmed with the Australian squad and the possibility of Kiwi commentators Jim and Terry returning in some form, keeping the show dynamic even when plans shift. Producers promise flexibility, live-to-air unpredictability and cameos, with the program produced by Working Dog, to blend satire with football analysis as Australia, the U.S., Canada and Mexico co-host the 2026 event on a global stage.