BBC pundit Guy Mowbray made an embarrassing blunder during the 2026 World Cup final broadcast when he misidentified musician Pharrell Williams as rapper ASAP Rocky. The incident occurred as cameras panned to celebrities in the crowd during the match between Spain and Argentina.
Mistaken identity during live broadcast
As the camera focused on Pharrell Williams seated beside his wife, Helen Lasichanh, Mowbray announced: "I think that is AKA Rocky." He quickly corrected himself, saying "Or ASAP Rocky, sorry," but had already identified the wrong person. The error sparked immediate reactions on social media, with one viewer tweeting: "This is why the commentators have largely stayed silent when it pans to celebrities at the World Cup."
Celebrity sightings at the final
The broadcast had previously shown other notable figures in attendance, including US President Donald Trump, actor Matt Damon, singer Beyoncé, and former footballer David Beckham. The mix-up involving Pharrell, a 13-time Grammy winner known for hits like "Happy" and "Get Lucky," drew particular attention due to his distinctive style.
Viewer reactions
Many viewers took to social media to express amusement and criticism. The incident highlighted the risks commentators face when identifying celebrities during live broadcasts. Mowbray, a seasoned BBC commentator, has not publicly addressed the mistake. The BBC has not issued a statement regarding the incident.
