BBC presenter Gabby Logan has turned down two invitations to meet the Royal Family due to her commitments covering the 2026 World Cup. The Leeds-born broadcaster, who was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours, has postponed collecting her honour twice because the proposed dates clashed with her World Cup duties.
Logan is set to become the first woman to lead coverage of a men's World Cup final on the BBC. She explained that the first invitation coincided with her first match of the tournament, and the second fell during the knockout stages. A new date has now been arranged for the autumn.
In addition to her OBE delay, Logan will be reminded of Wales' failure to qualify for the tournament when she presents Canada's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday. Wales were eliminated by the Golden Lilies in a penalty shootout during the UEFA play-offs, while Bosnia and Herzegovina went on to beat Italy and secure their place in North America.
The BBC has based its World Cup studio at its headquarters in Salford for the group stage, a decision that has drawn some criticism. Rival broadcaster ITV is operating from a temporary base in Brooklyn, New York, placing its pundits closer to the action. Despite this, the BBC's coverage remains in capable hands with Logan at the helm.
