The BBC and ITV are set to compete for viewers with their star-studded punditry teams for the 2026 World Cup, as both channels aim to deliver top-tier coverage of the tournament. Between them, the rival broadcasters will show all 104 matches from the event, which kicked off on Thursday, June 11, and runs until the final on July 19, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Key Matches and Coverage
Every live match featuring England and Scotland will be accompanied by a host of former Premier League stars and celebrity presenters. ITV broadcast the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, while the BBC will air England's clash against Ghana. Both networks will share coverage of the World Cup final, set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
BBC's Punditry Lineup
The BBC has assembled an 18-strong team of pundits, including former England internationals Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Joe Hart, Paul Robinson, Steph Houghton, Ellen White, and Danny Murphy. Representing Scotland are Scott Brown, Rachel Corsie, and James McFadden, while international stars Olivier Giroud, Gael Clichy, Cesar Azpilicueta, Benni McCarthy, Ashley Williams, Thomas Frank, and Lucas Leiva will provide commentary on other nations. The full list also includes Alex Scott, Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, and Steve Crossman.
ITV's Punditry Team
ITV's coverage will be anchored by Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods, and Semra Hunter. The punditry team broadcasting live from ITV's studios in Brooklyn, New York, features 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 will be led by Sam Matterface, Jon Champion, Seb Hutchinson, and Joe Speight, with co-commentary from Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, Andros Townsend, and Lucy Ward. On-the-ground reporters include Gabriel Clarke and Connie McLaughlin.
Christina Unkel returns as ITV's Referee Analyst, offering insights into major refereeing decisions and VAR calls throughout the tournament. Adam Richman, known for Man v Food, will co-present alongside Semra Hunter in the Brooklyn studio, joined by celebrity guests.
Notable Absences
Some notable names missing from the punditry rosters include Eni Aluko, Graeme Souness, Joe Cole, Nigel De Jong, and Hal Robson-Kanu.
Full Punditry Lists
BBC Pundits: Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, Joe Hart, Paul Robinson, Steph Houghton, Ellen White, Danny Murphy, Scott Brown, Rachel Corsie, James McFadden, Olivier Giroud, Gael Clichy, Cesar Azpilicueta, Benni McCarthy, Ashley Williams, Thomas Frank, Darren Cann.
ITV Pundits: Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Gary Neville, Patrick Vieira, Karen Carney, Ange Postecoglou, Juan Mata, Emma Hayes, Duncan Ferguson, Jobi McAnuff.
