The 2026 World Cup is underway across the US, Canada, and Mexico, with the BBC and ITV sharing UK broadcasting rights. All 104 matches are available live and free-to-air, including England's Round of 32 clash with DR Congo on Wednesday evening. Both broadcasters have assembled impressive on-screen talent, featuring Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, and Roy Keane among the experts.
BBC's Salford-Based Coverage
The BBC has opted to present games from its immersive studio in Salford until the latter knockout stages, rather than travelling to North America. This decision prioritises financial efficiency and environmental sustainability, aiming to minimise costs for the expanded 48-team tournament and reduce the corporation's carbon footprint.
Presenting duties are handled by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott. Cates, Chapman, and Logan replaced Gary Lineker as co-hosts of Match of the Day last year, marking the first major men's tournament since 2002 without Lineker. Logan is expected to present the World Cup final, becoming the first woman to lead BBC coverage of the men's showpiece.
BBC Pundits and Commentators
The punditry team includes Shearer, Rooney, Micah Richards, Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, and Ellen White. International perspectives come from Olivier Giroud, Gael Clichy, Cesar Azpilicueta, and others. Former Brentford and Tottenham manager Thomas Frank adds coaching insight. Referee analyst Darren Cann, with over 500 Premier League games, joins the team.
Lead commentator Guy Mowbray calls England games alongside Shearer as co-commentator. Other commentators include Steve Wilson, Steve Bower, Jonathan Pearce, Robyn Cowen, Steven Wyeth, Liam McLeod, and co-commentators Danny Murphy, Stephen Warnock, Efan Ekoku, Martin Keown, Sue Smith, Rachel Corsie, James McFadden, and Paul Robinson.
ITV's Brooklyn Studio
ITV is based in Brooklyn, New York, with a studio offering views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge. Presenters Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods front the coverage. The punditry panel features Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Gary Neville, Patrick Vieira, Karen Carney, Ange Postecoglou, Emma Hayes, Juan Mata, Duncan Ferguson, Jobi McAnuff, and Bradley Wright-Phillips. Referee analyst Christina Unkel, a former FIFA referee, provides expertise.
ITV Commentary Team
Lead commentator Sam Matterface handles England games with co-commentator Lee Dixon. Other commentators include Jon Champion, Seb Hutchinson, and Joe Speight. Co-commentators are Ally McCoist, Andros Townsend, and Lucy Ward.
