ITV’s World Cup squad has some notable omissions
Ian Wright, Gary Neville and Roy Keane become ITV pundits (Image: ITV)
Three former Manchester United players will be included in ITV’s line-up for the World Cup. The broadcaster has announced an all-star team of pundits, presenters and commentators for the North American tournament, which begins June 11th.
Former United stars Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Juan Mata will be in attendance, as well as a number of managers and former players. Two Arsenal legends, Patrick Vieira and Ian Wright, former Tottenham and Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, and former Rangers and Scottish powerhouse Duncan Ferguson will feature.
They will be joined by US women’s team manager Emma Hayes, Lionesses legend Karen Carney, former Manchester City forward Bradley Wright-Phillips and regular Sky Sports pundit and former EFL star Jobi McAnuff.
But there is no place for Eni Aluko, who worked for ITV at the last World Cup, Euro 2024 and last year’s Women’s Euro in Switzerland. Aluko then complained that he had been ignored during the England vs Spain final, which Wright had worked on.
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She previously accused Mr Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits in women’s football. There will be no place for Graham Souness, Joe Cole, Nigel de Jong, Nadia Nadim and Hal Robson-Kanu, who all worked for ITV, at the Qatar 2022 Games.
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Coverage will be anchored by presenters Mark Pugach, Laura Woods and Semra Hunter. Commentary will be provided by Sam Matterface, John Champion, Seb Hutchinson and Joe Speight, with co-commentary by Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, Andros Townsend and Lucy Ward. ITV’s on-the-ground reporters will be Gabriel Clarke and Connie McLaughlin, and the referee analyst will be Christina Unkel.
In addition to the full-scale analysis, Adam Richman will provide a “third eye on the tournament, examining the biggest social and cultural moments of the World Cup,” and celebrity guests will also be in attendance.
Eni Aluko falls out with Ian Wright over pundit opportunities (Image: 2022 Charlotte Wilson/Offside)
As before, ITV will share coverage with the BBC, with both channels broadcasting the final. ITV will broadcast the first two matches of the tournament, including the opening match between Mexico City and South Africa, which will be co-hosted in Mexico City.
Also broadcast will be England’s opening game against Croatia on Wednesday 17 June (9pm JST) and the Three Lions’ final group game against Panama on Saturday 27 June (10pm JST). In between, ITV will broadcast Scotland’s mid-group match against Morocco on Friday 19 June (11pm BST).
ITV will also broadcast the first matches involving world champions Argentina, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. The network will broadcast a total of 29 group matches live from New York City during the tournament.
Laura Woods will become a key part of the ITV team (Image: Getty Images)
Niall Sloan, ITV Sports Director, said: “This is the biggest FIFA World Cup in history and we will be broadcasting every big moment for free, live from New York City, 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.”
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