The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is underway, with the BBC and ITV sharing broadcasting rights in the UK. Both networks have assembled star-studded teams of presenters, pundits, and commentators for the 104 matches, all shown live and free on terrestrial television.
BBC's studio in Salford versus ITV's Brooklyn base
The BBC has opted to present its coverage from its immersive studio in Salford, rather than travelling to North America, a decision driven by financial and environmental considerations. The corporation aims to keep costs low for the expanded 48-team tournament while reducing its carbon footprint. ITV, in contrast, is based in Brooklyn, New York, with a studio offering views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge.
BBC presenters: Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott
The BBC's presenting lineup features 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, marking the first major men's international tournament since 2002 without Lineker on presenting duties for the BBC. Logan is expected to present the World Cup final, becoming the first woman to host the BBC's coverage of the men's football showpiece.
BBC pundits: Shearer, Rooney, Richards, and more
The BBC's punditry team includes Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, and Micah Richards, joined by England legends Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, and Ellen White. International perspectives come from Olivier Giroud, Gael Clichy, Cesar Azpilicueta, and former Brentford and Tottenham manager Thomas Frank. Shearer praised Thomas Tuchel's decision to start Jude Bellingham over Morgan Rogers in the No10 role against Croatia, saying after the 4-2 victory: 'Well you can have the discussion – Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers – but the manager has made the right one because he has come up with something like that.' He added of Bellingham's goal: 'He sees the spot, has a look there, knows where he wants to put it and guides it in there. It was a great finish and great start to the second half for England.'
BBC commentators: Guy Mowbray leads the team
Guy Mowbray is the lead commentator, covering England's games alongside co-commentator Alan Shearer. The commentary team also includes 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, and Paul Robinson. Referee analyst Darren Cann, with over 500 Premier League games, provides officiating insights.
ITV presenters: Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods
ITV's coverage is fronted by Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods, with a punditry lineup featuring Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Gary Neville, Patrick Vieira, and Karen Carney. Neville discussed England's clash with Ghana, suggesting Tuchel should refresh his starting XI by bringing in Marc Guehi and Djed Spence. 'Ghana have got Antoine Semenyo, they've got Brandon Thomas-Asante, they've got players who can play one-vs-one, who are mobile,' Neville said. 'So I do think Guehi coming in makes sense, and maybe Djed Spence as well. I thought Spence was excellent when he came on against Croatia. I don't think John Stones will play every single game, every three or four days.'
ITV pundits and commentators: McCoist, Dixon, and more
Former Tottenham and Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou and current US Women's manager Emma Hayes provide coaching perspectives. The commentary team is led by Sam Matterface, who will commentate on England's games alongside Lee Dixon. Other commentators include Jon Champion, Seb Hutchinson, Joe Speight, Ally McCoist, Andros Townsend, and Lucy Ward. Referee analyst Christina Unkel, a former FIFA referee, adds expertise.
Both broadcasters offer extensive coverage of the tournament, with viewers able to watch every match live on BBC or ITV.
