ITV's FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage sparked immediate backlash from viewers after a surprise appearance by television duo Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly during pre-match analysis. Fans took to social media to voice their frustration, with some threatening to change channels just minutes into the broadcast.
Pre-Match Interview Triggers Complaints
Presenter Laura Woods welcomed Ant and Dec to ITV's New York studio, where they discussed their thoughts on the upcoming England vs. Panama match and shared their favorite World Cup memories. However, the segment did not sit well with many football enthusiasts expecting serious analysis.
One disgruntled viewer posted on X: "Ant and Dec FFS, I'll switch back on at 9.55." Another wrote: "Ant and Dec appeared. I switched to Five Live." A third fan commented: "Ant and Dec being 'interviewed' during the World Cup may be the strangest thing I've seen during this whole event."
Viewers Question ITV's Choice
The backlash continued as one supporter declared: "Surely they could have got better than Ant and Dec for the World Cup, so annoying!" Another asked: "No football people available tonight?" A sarcastic remark added: "I was just saying to myself 'We really don't see Ant and Dec on the tellybox enough'."
Despite the criticism, some defended the pair. One fan stated: "Ant and Dec are much better than Neville and Carragher."
England's World Cup Journey
England had already secured their place in the last 32 after earlier fixtures against Croatia and Ghana. The match against Panama kicked off at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, at 10pm UK time on ITV and 5pm US time. England's most recent appearance saw them draw 0-0 with Ghana at Gillette Stadium in Boston.
Meanwhile, Scotland, after a 1-0 victory over Haiti in their opening fixture, suffered defeats to Morocco and Brazil. FIFA World Cup 2026 is available to watch on ITV and ITVX.
