BBC and ITV announce broadcast line-ups for 2026 World Cup
The BBC will broadcast 54 matches while ITV covers 29 group stage games from a Brooklyn studio, with key figures including Gabby Logan, Wayne Rooney and Gary Lineker.
ITV and BBC Sport have unveiled their commentary, presenter, and pundit line-ups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The broadcast partners have confirmed their staffing for the tournament, which features 104 matches in total across the three host nations.
The BBC will broadcast 54 matches, with Gabby Logan hosting the England vs Ghana fixture. Wayne Rooney is listed as a pundit for the BBC coverage, while Alan Shearer is assigned to co-commentary duties. The network aims to provide household names and expert analysis for its extensive coverage of the event.
ITV Sport will cover 29 group stage matches from a studio located in Brooklyn. The broadcaster has also secured the services of former BBC presenter Gary Lineker, who appeared as an analyst for ITV on 20 June. His involvement marks a shift in personnel for the commercial network’s football coverage.
The tournament structure includes matches between group winners, runners-up, and teams advancing from third place. The group stage is scheduled to conclude on 27 June, after which the competition will transition to the knockout phase. The final is set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Public awareness in the United States remains relatively low compared to concurrent events like the NBA Finals, with polls suggesting half of Americans are indifferent to the tournament. High ticket prices and a lack of familiarity with football among non-sports fans have hindered engagement, despite the extensive broadcast infrastructure and media rights deals defining the rollout.
