The BBC has confirmed that Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will share presenting duties for this summer's World Cup, with no decision yet on who will host the final. The trio took over Match of the Day at the start of the current Premier League season, replacing Gary Lineker after his 26-year association with the programme.
Producers are ensuring the three presenters have an equal number of programmes to cover once the tournament kicks off in Mexico City. The BBC stated there are 'no favourites' among the hosts, echoing the mantra used when they were appointed to Match of the Day.
Gary Lineker had initially agreed to present the World Cup for the BBC but ended his presenting career early last year after apologising for amplifying online material with antisemitic connotations. He will still be involved in World Cup content through his podcast 'The Rest Is Football', which has struck a deal with Netflix to produce a daily edition from New York.
The BBC's coverage plans come amid evidence that the modernisation of the Match of the Day brand is yielding results. Despite a 10% drop in combined linear TV and iPlayer views for Saturday and Sunday shows, digital accounts accessing Match of the Day content are up 21% year on year, partly due to a new rights agreement allowing highlights at 8pm.
The tournament has expanded from 32 to 48 teams, increasing the number of games from 64 to 104. To manage costs, some commentators and pundits may cover lower-demand games from the BBC's Salford base, while major matches, including those involving home nations, will have commentary teams at the stadiums.
