The BBC has faced criticism over plans to cover some matches at the 2026 World Cup remotely from its Salford base to cut costs. The tournament, to be hosted across the US, Canada and Mexico, will be the largest ever with 48 teams, and the broadcaster is considering having commentators and pundits cover lower-demand games from Greater Manchester.
The move is part of the BBC's efforts to adapt to a decline in licence fee income, which has fallen by about a third since 2010. Insiders denied claims that commentators would not broadcast from the US until the quarter-finals, but confirmed that major games, including those involving home nations, will be covered on-site.
The expanded format includes smaller teams like Uzbekistan, Curaçao and Haiti, and some matches will kick off as late as 2am BST. BBC planners are concerned about spending limited resources on less popular fixtures at unsocial hours. A central US hub has also proven difficult to plan due to the wide geographical spread of venues.
Clive Tyldesley, ITV's former lead commentator, said remote commentary is not unusual but that all commentators prefer being in the stadium. “The whole experience is more vivid and actually, the technique of commentating on a football match in the stadium is easier and more accurate than commentating off a screen,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gary Lineker, who left the BBC earlier this year, has signed a deal with Netflix to host his podcast The Rest is Football during the tournament. Lineker had been scheduled to front the BBC's World Cup coverage before departing after an apology for amplifying online material with antisemitic connotations.
