ITV viewers have expressed outrage over the broadcaster's coverage of the 2026 World Cup opening night, with many demanding the removal of pundit Adam Richman. The tournament kicked off on Thursday at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where co-hosts Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez gave Javier Aguirre's side the win, but the match saw three red cards, with Yaya Sithole, Themba Zwane, and Cesar Montes all sent off.
ITV's Punditry Line-Up Sparks Controversy
ITV's usual pundits Gary Neville, Ian Wright, and Roy Keane were present to analyze the match. However, the broadcaster introduced a segment featuring Adam Richman, best known as the host of Man v Food, alongside presenter Semra Hunter. This decision quickly backfired as viewers took to social media to criticize the pairing.
One user, @themightyi21, posted on X: "ITV need to ditch this Adam Richman thing ASAP. It's cringe." Another, @HarryFan4Life_, wrote: "ITV please get rid of that American bloke and the woman with him. They're awful."
Semra Hunter's Error Adds to the Backlash
The criticism intensified after Semra Hunter mistakenly referred to former Chelsea manager Graham Potter as Gareth Southgate. Viewers were quick to notice the error, with @adaytomegan_ commenting: "No way they just called Graham Potter Gareth Southgate on ITV." @LetsTalk_FPL added: "Why is the man vs food guy talking football on ITV. And why did the woman just call Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate."
Another user, @SaulForbes, noted: "Why the bloke from man v food punditing football on itv and why's the female host saying she's proud of him for saying Villarreal correctly?"
ITV's World Cup Investment
ITV has invested heavily in its World Cup coverage, broadcasting from a studio in New York City. In contrast, the BBC is initially covering the tournament from the UK before moving to the US for the knockout stages. ITV Director of Sport Niall Sloane previously stated: "This is the biggest FIFA World Cup in history and we will be live from New York City for the duration of the tournament, bringing every key moment to life, free-to-air."
Sloane added: "Nothing unifies the UK audience more than a global sporting event and they don't come much bigger than this. Our broadcast line-up is second to none." Despite these assurances, viewers remain unimpressed, calling for changes to the punditry team.
