Ian Wright, Gary Neville and Roy Keane to become ITV pundits (Image: ITV)
ITV has announced a significantly changed pundit line-up for the World Cup. The broadcaster has announced an impressive roster of experts, presenters and commentators for the North American tournament, which begins June 11th.
They include former Manchester United stars Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Juan Mata, as well as former managers and players. Arsenal legends Patrick Vieira and Ian Wright, former Tottenham and Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou and former Rangers and Scottish powerhouse Duncan Ferguson will also be in attendance. They will be joined by US women’s team manager Emma Hayes, Lionesses icon Karen Carney, former Manchester City forward Bradley Wright-Phillips and regular Sky Sports pundit and former EFL favorite Jobi McAnuff.
However, a notable absence is Eni Aluko, who worked for ITV at the last World Cup, Euro 2024 and last year’s Women’s Euro in Switzerland. Aluko had previously expressed his frustration at being missed out on the England vs Spain final in which Wright played.
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She has previously claimed that Wright’s presence in the women’s game hinders opportunities for female pundits. Also missing from the line-up are Graham Souness, Joe Cole, Nigel de Jong, Nadia Nadim and Hal Robson-Kanu, who appeared on ITV during the Qatar 2022 Games.
Hosts Mark Pugach, Laura Woods and Semra Hunter will be in charge of reporting. Commentators will be Sam Matterface, John Champion, Seb Hutchinson and Joe Speight, with co-commentators Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, Andros Townsend and Lucy Ward.
Eni Aluko clashed with Ian Wright over pundit opportunity (Image: 2022 Charlotte Wilson/Offside)
ITV’s ground correspondents will be Gabriel Clarke and Connie McLaughlin, with Christina Unkel serving as referee analyst. Beyond tactical analysis, a “third eye on the tournament examining all of the World Cup’s biggest social and cultural moments” will be provided by Adam Richman with celebrity guests.
As usual, ITV will split coverage with the BBC, with both broadcasters showing the final. ITV will broadcast the opening two games of the tournament, including the curtain-raiser between co-hosts Mexico City and South Africa in Mexico City.
Also broadcast will be England’s opening game against Croatia on Wednesday 17 June (9pm CET) and their final group game against Panama on Saturday 27 June (10pm CET). Meanwhile, ITV will broadcast Scotland’s mid-group match against Morocco on Friday 19 June (11pm BST).
Laura Woods will become a key part of the ITV team (Image: Getty Images)
ITV will also show the opening match featuring world champions Argentina, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. Broadcasters, broadcasting a total of 29 group matches, will broadcast live from New York City during the tournament.
Niall Sloan, ITV Sports Director, said: “This is the biggest FIFA World Cup in history and we will be broadcasting all the big moments for free, live from New York, throughout the tournament.
“Nothing unites British viewers like a global sporting event, and no event as big as this. Our broadcast line-up is unrivaled and with comprehensive coverage across ITV, ITVX, World Cup 24/7 channels and digital platforms, ITV viewers will never miss a moment.”
