ITV has announced its punditry line-up for the 2026 World Cup, featuring three former Manchester United players: Roy Keane, Gary Neville, and Juan Mata. The broadcaster has assembled a diverse team of presenters, commentators, and analysts for the tournament in North America, which kicks off on June 11.
Star-Studded Punditry Panel
The line-up includes Arsenal legends Patrick Vieira and Ian Wright, former Tottenham and Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, and ex-Rangers and Scotland hardman Duncan Ferguson. Also joining are US women's national team manager Emma Hayes, Lionesses legend Karen Carney, former Manchester City forward Bradley Wright-Phillips, and regular Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff.
Notable Omissions
Eni Aluko, who worked for ITV at the last World Cup, Euro 2024, and the women's Euros in Switzerland, has been left out. Aluko had previously accused Ian Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits. Other absentees include Graeme Souness, Joe Cole, Nigel De Jong, Nadia Nadim, and Hal Robson-Kanu, all of whom featured in ITV's 2022 Qatar coverage.
Presenters and Commentators
Coverage will be anchored by Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods, and Semra Hunter. 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. Reporters on the ground include Gabriel Clarke and Connie McLaughlin, with Christina Unkel as referee analyst.
Cultural Coverage
Adam Richman will provide a "third eye on the tournament, examining all of the biggest World Cup social and cultural moments," joined by celebrity guests.
Broadcast Details
ITV will share coverage with the BBC, with both channels airing the final. ITV will show the first two matches, including the opener between co-hosts Mexico City and South Africa. England's first match against Croatia is on June 17, and their final group game against Panama on June 27. Scotland's middle group match against Morocco is on June 19. ITV will also broadcast matches involving Argentina, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain, with 29 group games in total, all live from New York City.
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 of the tournament, bringing every key moment to life, free-to-air. Our broadcast line-up is second to none."
