ITV has announced a formidable punditry lineup for the upcoming World Cup, including Gary Neville, Ian Wright, and Roy Keane. The broadcaster will base its coverage from a studio in New York, offering a backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline, a stark contrast to the BBC's more modest plans.
Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods are set to lead the coverage, with Pougatch commentating on England matches. The channel will air 29 group-stage games, including England's opener against Croatia in Dallas on June 17 and their final group match against Panama on June 27.
The BBC, meanwhile, has opted not to have a US studio and will not send its top pundits until the quarter-finals, citing rising costs and the logistical challenges of covering a tournament across three countries. ITV's approach is seen as a bold move to dominate viewership for the free-to-air event.
