The World Cup is taking centre stage this summer with millions of viewers tuning into the action across the UK. The BBC and ITV are once again sharing the rights, with all 104 matches across the US, Canada and Mexico being shown live and for free on TV – including England’s Round of 32 clash with DR Congo on Wednesday evening.
Both broadcasters have assembled an impressive collection of on-screen talent, with the likes of Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville and Roy Keane amongst the stars who are offering their expert analysis.
But whilst the BBC and ITV are both stacked with big names, their respective approaches to covering the tournament are very different – at least to start off with.
BBC's Salford studio decision
Instead of making the trip across the pond to North America, the BBC have elected to present games from their immersive studio in Salford until the latter stages of the knockouts. The decision to stay in the UK has been made with financial and environmental considerations in mind, with the BBC eager to keep costs for the expanded 48-team tournament to a minimum whilst also committing to reducing its carbon footprint.
ITV, on the other hand, are based in Brooklyn, New York, for the duration of the competition, and their studio boasts views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge.
BBC presenters and pundits
The BBC’s output is being fronted by presenters Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott. Cates, Chapman and Logan replaced Gary Lineker as co-hosts of Match of the Day last year, with this summer’s World Cup the first major international men’s tournament since 2002 in which Lineker has not been on presenting duties for the corporation. Logan is expected to be the presenter for the World Cup final, making her the first-ever woman to present the BBC’s coverage of the biggest game in men’s football.
Shearer, Rooney and Micah Richards are joined on the BBC’s punditry team by the likes of England legends Joe Hart, Steph Houghton and Ellen White. An international perspective, meanwhile, is being provided by pundits including Olivier Giroud, Gael Clichy and Cesar Azpilicueta, whilst former Brentford and Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is also on hand to offer extra expertise.
Viewers who regularly follow the BBC’s football output will be familiar with the voices of Guy Mowbray, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce, all of whom are part of the commentary team. Mowbray is the lead commentator and is commentating on England’s games for the BBC, alongside Shearer as co-commentator.
ITV's Brooklyn studio and talent
ITV’s coverage is being fronted by the popular duo of Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods. Neville and Keane are the standout personalities on ITV’s punditry line-up, which also features the likes of Ian Wright, Patrick Vieira and Karen Carney. Former Tottenham and Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou and current US Women’s manager Emma Hayes are also sharing their views from a coach’s perspective as part of ITV’s output.
The commentary team is being led by Sam Matterface, Jon Champion and Seb Hutchinson, with the ever-popular Ally McCoist amongst the co-commentators. Matterface is tasked with commentating on the games involving England, alongside co-commentator and former Three Lions player Lee Dixon.
Full BBC line-up
Presenters: Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, Alex Scott.
Pundits: Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, Ellen White, Scott Brown, Olivier Giroud, Gael Clichy, Cesar Azpilicueta, Benni McCarthy, Ashley Williams, Thomas Frank, Darren Cann (referee analyst).
Commentators: Guy Mowbray, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower, Jonathan Pearce, Robyn Cowen, Steven Wyeth, Liam McLeod, Danny Murphy, Stephen Warnock, Efan Ekoku, Martin Keown, Sue Smith, Rachel Corsie, James McFadden, Paul Robinson.
Full ITV line-up
Presenters: Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods.
Pundits: Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Gary Neville, Patrick Vieira, Karen Carney, Ange Postecoglou, Juan Mata, Emma Hayes, Duncan Ferguson, Jobi McAnuff, Bradley Wright-Phillips, Christina Unkel (referee analyst).
Commentators: Sam Matterface, Jon Champion, Seb Hutchinson, Joe Speight, Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, Andros Townsend, Lucy Ward.
