Sam Matterface has been the lead commentator for ITV's coverage of the 2026 World Cup, becoming a familiar voice for England fans during the tournament. The 48-year-old broadcaster has been with ITV for over a decade, having first commentated for the network at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He continued in the same role for the 2018 tournament in Russia and also provided commentary for Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.
Early Career and Personal Life
Matterface rose to prominence at Sky Sports News, where he worked as a presenter from 2007 to 2010. During his time at Sky, he met fellow sports presenter Natalie Sawyer, whom he married. The couple had a son named Sawyer Matterface before divorcing in 2014. Matterface later married his current wife, Stef Matterface, in 2018.
Commentary Career Highlights
Matterface's career has included commentary on two Champions League finals, the European Championship final, and the FA Cup final. He is among the most recognizable voices in English football, but his career has not been without controversy.
Euro 2020 Controversy
During England's Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark, Matterface made comments that sparked complaints. After England won 2-1 to reach the final, he jokingly urged viewers to call in sick and keep their children up late to celebrate. He said: "I tell you what, if this comes off, you can do what you want tonight. You've had a terrible 16 months. Kids you can stay up, don't you dare go to bed. The rest of you call your boss, you ain't coming in in the morning. You deserve this, England deserves this. Feel it, ride it. All that pent-up emotion which is 50 seconds away. Just try to be safe and follow the rules, or I'm going to be in one hell of a lot of trouble."
These remarks, intended as humor, were criticized by viewers. ITV received 68 complaints to Ofcom, with some branding the comments as "ridiculous" and "unprofessional." One viewer on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: "I like Sam Matterface on the radio but he talked far too much on Wednesday night. Far too many scripted comments." Another added: "Just a word on how utterly awful Sam Matterface was last night. He was bad enough during the match with his child-like level of football understanding, but his ramble after the match was all-time cringe. 'Call your boss, tell them you won't be in, tell them you deserve it.'"
Upcoming Matches
Matterface will return to commentary for England's quarter-final clash against Norway on Saturday, broadcast live on ITV1. If England wins, they will face the winner of Argentina's match against Switzerland in the semi-final.
