ITV has announced its star-studded lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring Strictly Come Dancing winner Karen Carney and Everton legend Duncan Ferguson. The channel will broadcast from its studios in Brooklyn, New York, while the BBC will present from Salford in a cost-saving measure.
ITV's Coverage Plans
ITV's coverage will be anchored by Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods, and Semra Hunter. The punditry team 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 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.
Karen Carney, who won Strictly in 2025, played for England at four World Cups. She expressed confidence in players adapting to the heat: "Even myself as a player I did heat acclimatisation. There is a strategy in place so when the players get out there they're in the best position possible." Ian Wright added: "It's a brilliant squad. I've got total faith if this team plays well we can get to the semis and the final again." Roy Keane remarked: "New York is a fabulous place to work and the studio looks amazing."
BBC's Lineup and Studio
The BBC's coverage will be fronted by Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott from their Salford studio, using a new immersive setup. Pundits include Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, Joe Hart, Paul Robinson, Steph Houghton, Ellen White, Danny Murphy, Scott Brown, Rachel Corsie, James McFadden, Olivier Giroud, Gaël Clichy, César Azpilicueta, Benni McCarthy, Ashley Williams, and Thomas Frank. Commentators are Guy Mowbray, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower, Jonathan Pearce, Robyn Cowen, Steven Wyeth, and Liam McLeod.
Match Coverage
The BBC will show 54 matches, including England's group game against Ghana and knockout stages. ITV will air 29 group-stage matches, including England's opener against Croatia on June 17 and Scotland's match against Morocco on June 19. The final will be broadcast on both channels.
ITV Director of Sport Niall Sloane said: "This is the biggest FIFA World Cup in history and we will be live from New York City for the duration." BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski added: "The BBC is turning the biggest World Cup in history into the most iconic one yet."
