Thomas Frank will be part of the BBC’s World Cup coverage while Ange Postecoglou joins ITV, setting up a head-to-head between the two UK broadcasters, according to the BBC and ITV.
The BBC will broadcast from its Salford studio with presenters Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott, the broadcaster said. Lead commentators named by the BBC include Guy Mowbray, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower, Jonathan Pearce, Robyn Cowen, Steven Wyeth and Liam McLeod, supported by co-commentary from Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy, Stephen Warnock, Efan Ekoku, Martin Keown, Sue Smith, Rachel Corsie, James McFadden and Paul Robinson.
The BBC line-up also lists former England record goalscorers Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney among its experts, along with Joe Hart and Paul Robinson among goalkeeping voices. Former Lionesses Steph Houghton and Ellen White, former Scotland internationals Scott Brown, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden, and internationals such as Olivier Giroud, César Azpilicueta, Benni McCarthy and Gaël Clichy are included. Olivier Giroud is noted as a World Cup winner in 2018 and a runner-up in 2022. Darren Cann is listed as a former international referee providing rules expertise, according to the BBC.
ITV’s coverage will operate from a New York studio, the broadcaster said, fronted by Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods and Semra Hunter. Commentators named by ITV include Sam Matterface, Jon Champion, Seb Hutchinson and Joe Speight, with co-commentary from Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, Andros Townsend and Lucy Ward.
ITV’s studio pundits include Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Gary Neville. The network also lists World Cup winners Patrick Vieira and Juan Mata among its experts, while Karen Carney is noted for attending four World Cups and Emma Hayes is identified as manager of the United States women’s national team. Ange Postecoglou is described by ITV as a notable arrival, having previously managed Australia at international level. Additional ITV names include Duncan Ferguson, Jobi McAnuff and Bradley Wright-Phillips, according to ITV.
