BBC viewers voiced frustration during England's World Cup group stage match against Ghana on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, citing buffering issues on iPlayer and an interview with rapper Stormzy as major grievances. Gabby Logan hosted the coverage from the Salford studio alongside pundits Joe Hart, Wayne Rooney, and Micah Richards, with commentary by Guy Mowbray and Alan Shearer.
Buffering and Stormzy Interview Draw Criticism
Numerous supporters took to social media to complain about the streaming quality. One viewer posted on X: 'England v Ghana on BBC iPlayer is buffering like crazy. It's not just iPlayer, games buffer on ITVX too. Happens on the big fixtures, obvs.' Another wrote: '@BBCiPlayer not fit for purpose. Give me @itvx every time.' A third shared a screenshot of the app failing to load, asking: '@BBC what's going on.'
The pre-match interview with British rapper Stormzy also sparked backlash. One viewer remarked: 'Dear BBC Sport. Football. Fans. Don't. Care. About. Celebrities. At. The. World. Cup. Stop it.' Another added: '@BBCSport wasting licence payers cash yet again with a pointless interview with #Stormzy! Pathetic and nothing to do with football!'
Mixed Reactions to Overall Coverage
Further complaints included one viewer stating: 'BBC World Cup coverage is poor. S***,' while another said: 'Their coverage of this #worldcup has been beyond woeful.' A third observed: 'Congrats to ITV and the BBC for making the World Cup unwatchable.'
However, some viewers praised the BBC's coverage, particularly the female presenters. One fan posted: 'BBC coverage soo much better. Great female presenters with Gabby and Kelly. Miles better than ITV.' Another agreed: 'Yeah the female presenters are excellent.'
Match Context and Previous Interruptions
This was only the second meeting between England and Ghana and their first competitive clash. Their previous encounter was in March 2011, when Asamoah Gyan scored a stoppage-time equaliser for a 1-1 draw at Wembley. England are aiming to reach the knockout stages for the third consecutive World Cup, having only been eliminated at the group stage once in their last seven appearances.
The complaints follow multiple interruptions to BBC's tournament coverage. On Monday, Gabby Logan delivered a politics announcement during live transmission, and coverage was later pulled off air due to a delay in the France vs. Iraq match after FIFA reported a 'severe thunderstorm approaching' the Philadelphia stadium.
