The 2026 World Cup is well underway, and football fans throughout the UK are once again choosing between the BBC and ITV for their tournament viewing. So far, there are indications that a large share of the audience is gravitating towards ITV’s coverage.
That trend follows a number of significant alterations made by the BBC to the way it delivers and presents major tournament broadcasts. Among the most heavily criticised changes is the removal of a dedicated World Cup programme from the standard TV schedule, a move that immediately sparked debate among supporters.
Here, Mirror Football takes a closer look at the modifications introduced by the BBC this summer and explores why they have proved so controversial.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football’s Facebook page
Unlike at previous international tournaments, including Euro 2024, the BBC has chosen not to air a scheduled daily highlights programme on its linear television services. The decision marks a clear break from the established model of tournament broadcasting, with viewers no longer able to switch on BBC One for a regular nightly recap.
The corporation has firmly disputed suggestions that the move amounts to reduced coverage, stating that the change is based on practical scheduling considerations and the impact of North American time differences.
According to the BBC statement: “BBC Sport is producing highlights from every single match so audiences are always across the moments that matter. Catch all the post-match reaction and highlights on BBC iPlayer, or dive in via the BBC Sport website and app.
View 4 ImagesThe BBC has decided not to broadcast a World Cup highlights show this year(Image: Getty)
BBC officials argue that a conventional TV highlights slot is not well-suited to matches that kick off late in the evening or overnight for UK audiences. Their statement added: “It would be inaccurate to report that BBC Sport is not producing highlights for audiences; we are creating round-the-clock coverage throughout the tournament, across more platforms than ever before.
“Given the time difference – matches taking place late at night and in the early hours of the morning – we are producing highlights that can be accessed by fans at whatever time suits them, on BBC iPlayer on the BBC Sport website and app, and across social media.”
The broadcaster is also entering unfamiliar territory following the exit of Gary Lineker, who had long been the face of its football coverage. This World Cup is the first in more than two decades without him overseeing BBC studio presentation.
View 4 ImagesThis is the first World Cup this century that Gary Lineker hasn’t been a part of the BBC’s coverage(Image: Getty)
Lineker, the former England striker, departed last year after several public controversies connected to his social media posts and concerns over impartiality requirements.
Many observers had assumed that this tournament would be his final major international event for the BBC, but his association with the network ended sooner than expected when he was effectively removed from his position amid allegations of antisemitism.
His unexpected departure forced the broadcaster to rethink its presentation plans. Main hosting duties are now divided between Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman, replicating the format already used on Match of the Day. For viewers accustomed to seeing Lineker front the coverage, the change has brought a noticeably different feel to the BBC’s World Cup broadcasts.
View 4 ImagesThe BBC is based in its Salford studio this World Cup(Image: BBC Sport / YouTube)
One of the most noticeable changes is the BBC’s decision not to set up a physical studio in North America. Instead, all presentations for the opening section of the tournament are originating from Salford.
As part of this cost-conscious strategy, the broadcaster is relying on a virtual studio environment, with green-screen technology used to generate digital images of host-city locations behind the panel. The approach has faced criticism from both fans and media commentators, many of whom believe the visual presentation lacks energy and fails to capture the atmosphere of a global tournament.
Article continues below
The comparison with ITV has become a common talking point. ITV has committed resources to a prominent studio in Brooklyn, featuring the genuine New York City skyline in the background. Detractors argue that ITV’s setup feels more connected to the event itself, while the BBC’s dependence on a studio in Salford risks creating a detached and somewhat sterile viewing experience.