BBC pundits to ‘work from home’ for first 96 matches of 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup gets underway in a little over six months time but it appears that the BBC are taking a novel approach to the tournament set to take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico

The BBC will reportedly NOT send pundits to cover the 2026 World Cup until the final eight games. The latest edition of the tournament gets underway on June 11 2026, with broadcasters from a host of countries already putting their coverage plans together.

As ever, the BBC will play a pivotal role in bringing the tournament to UK viewers alongside ITV, with their rights split. But it appears that the national broadcaster will take a slightly odd approach to their offering.

According to the Daily Mail, the BBC does not intend to have its own studio at the tournament and are not planning to send any pundits to North America until at least the quarter-final stage. Some radio commentators and analysts will be present, but TV presenters and pundits will be requested to remain at home.

Pundits will be covering the tournament from the channel’s Salford base. It is suggested that the decision has been made with costs in mind, while the BBC’s carbon footprint has also been a consideration.

An official announcement has yet to come, with the BBC confirming that plans are still being put in place.

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Clive Efford MP, the former shadow minister for sport, said in response: “If the BBC are not there for the entirety of the tournament I will be shocked. It’s an obvious decision. This is our national sport followed by millions of people and this is a World Cup. The BBC should recognise that.

“It’s a question of priorities and it looks like they’re getting them completely wrong. I’m stunned that they would even think about not being there.”

Shadow culture, media and sport secretary Nigel Huddleston, added: “The public requires the BBC to spend their licence fee money carefully, but we also expect them to rise to the occasion when it comes to coverage of major events.

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“With Scotland and England already qualifying and hopes still alive for Wales and Northern Ireland, there is excitement across the UK for the World Cup. I therefore hope that the nation’s broadcaster can provide a comprehensive package of coverage which meets the expectations of football fans around the country.”

Rivals ITV are not expected to follow suit, having also put their plans in place. The channel will reportedly have a studio in New York.

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