BBC and ITV Unveil Star-Studded World Cup Punditry Teams

The BBC and ITV are going head to head with their star-studded punditry teams for the World Cup, with each channel trying to provide the best coverage. Between them, the rival channels will show all 104 games from the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico, which started on 11 June and ends with the final on 19 July.

England and Scotland Matches

Every England and Scotland live match will have a slew of former Premier League stars and celebrity presenters commentating on the games. ITV showed the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, while the BBC will broadcast England’s match against Ghana. Both networks will air the World Cup final, to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

BBC Punditry Team

The BBC’s 18-strong line-up includes former England stars Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Joe Hart, Paul Robinson, Steph Houghton, Ellen White and Danny Murphy. Scott Brown, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden will represent Scotland while international stars Olivier Giroud, Gael Clichy, Cesar Azpilicueta, Benni McCarthy, Ashley Williams, Thomas Frank and Lucas Leiva will provide commentary on other nations.

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ITV Punditry Team

ITV's coverage will be led by Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods and Semra Hunter. The full list of pundits bringing the action live from ITV’s studios in Brooklyn, New York, includes Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Gary Neville, Patrick Vieira, Karen Carney, Ange Postecoglou, Juan Mata, Emma Hayes, Duncan Ferguson, Jobi McAnuff and Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Commentary and Reporting

Commentary will be led by Sam Matterface, Jon Champion, Seb Hutchinson and Joe Speight. Co-commentary is provided by Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, Andros Townsend and Lucy Ward. ITV reporters on the ground will be Gabriel Clarke and Connie McLaughlin.

Referee Analyst and Special Guests

Christina Unkel will return to ITV as the Referee Analyst to provide insights into the biggest refereeing decisions across the tournament, as well as the big VAR calls. Adam Richman, of Man v Food fame, will co-present alongside Semra Hunter in ITV’s Brooklyn studio and will be joined by celebrity guests.