Former BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker took to social media in fury to slam the constant complaints surrounding the contentious 2026 World Cup. The highly anticipated tournament kicked off on Thursday (June 11) with football fans and 48 teams from across the globe arriving in the US for the competition.
With the controversially extortionate ticket prices listed on FIFA at $1,120 (£836), many have been forced to watch from home. As a result, broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV have opted to air the record 104 matches with live punditry from commentators including Alex Scott, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, Ian Wright and Gary Neville.
Despite this, not all fans were impressed and quickly aired their frustrations online, prompting the Channel 5 star's disgruntled post. Dan fumed: "75% of my timeline is people complaining about the World Cup coverage!"
The 49-year-old continued: "'BBC is too this, ITV is too that, no highlights on TV, didn’t like his shirt, too relaxed, too formal, Why are they stood up? Why are they sat down?'"
"'Can’t listen to that commentator, they are ruining it, watching with the sound down!!!'" A fed-up Dan demanded: "Aaaahhhhhh! Just enjoy it."
Backlash Over Opening Ceremony
This comes after many complaints, including backlash against the opening ceremony as Mexico and South Africa prepared to compete in Estadio Azteca. The ceremony saw musicians including Shakira, Burna Boy and several Mexican pop artists, with a mix of songs in Spanish and English, to set the tone, making the fans excited and enthusiastic for the game.
ITV viewers complained about the coverage of the ceremony, noting that there was no commentary during the opening. The BBC also came under fire from fans for scrapping the World Cup highlights show, leaving viewers unable to tune into a fixed late-night recap on BBC One.
BBC Defends Coverage
Addressing the change, the broadcaster stated: "BBC Sport is producing highlights from every single match, so audiences are always across the moments that matter. Catch all the post-match reaction and highlights on BBC iPlayer, or dive in via the BBC Sport website and app."
Their statement added: "It would be inaccurate to report that BBC Sport is not producing highlights for audiences; we are creating round-the-clock coverage throughout the tournament, across more platforms than ever before. Given the time difference - matches taking place late at night and in the early hours of the morning - we are producing highlights that can be accessed by fans at whatever time suits them, on BBC iPlayer on the BBC Sport website and app, and across social media."
