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The BBC has announced its full team of presenters, pundits, commentators, and reporters for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring a star-studded line-up from the broadcaster.

As the countdown to World Cup 2026 continues, the BBC has revealed the team that will bring the tournament to life for viewers across the UK.

Fans will be able to watch 54 matches live on the BBC’s terrestrial TV channels, with full coverage also available on iPlayer, BBC Sounds, 5 Live, the BBC Sport website, and the BBC Sport app. Additional content will be shared across social media, including YouTube and TikTok, featuring live match streams, companion watch-alongs, and instant post-match analysis.

This promises to be the biggest World Cup yet, and the BBC has assembled a line-up to match its scale and excitement.

Kelly Cates will make her BBC tournament debut after completing her first season as a Match of the Day presenter. The 50-year-old, daughter of football legend Kenny Dalglish, is widely recognised by Premier League fans from her time with Sky Sports.

Veteran broadcaster Mark Chapman continues his role as one of the BBC’s main presenters for the World Cup. Formerly a Radio 1 host and now a leading figure on BBC 5 Live, Chapman has taken a central role at the corporation following Gary Lineker’s departure.

Gabby Logan, one of the BBC’s most experienced presenters, will again feature prominently. The Leeds-born former gymnast celebrates 30 years in broadcasting in 2026, having first appeared on Sky Sports before becoming a mainstay of BBC’s football coverage and a lead presenter on Match of the Day.

Former Arsenal and England defender Alex Scott continues to shine in her presenting career. The Champions League winner became the first woman to host Football Focus and has gained wide acclaim for her insightful punditry and hosting, including on Sky Sports and the BBC’s Olympic Games coverage in 2020.

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer returns as one of the BBC’s lead pundits. The former England striker will also serve as co-commentator alongside Guy Mowbray for England’s matches during the tournament.

Wayne Rooney, England’s former captain and record goal scorer (before Harry Kane surpassed him), joins the BBC’s punditry team in North America. Rooney has recently featured on Match of the Day and Amazon Prime Sport.

Ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards brings his trademark humour and tactical insight. A familiar face on MOTD, Richards also appears regularly on Sky Sports and CBS Sports in the USA.

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart will provide analysis focusing on goalkeeping. Hart has featured on TNT Sports and Match of the Day this season.

Another ex-England goalkeeper, Paul Robinson, will deliver expert opinion as part of the pundit team.

Steph Houghton, with 121 caps for the Lionesses, will make her first major tournament appearance as a BBC pundit, having joined as an analyst in 2024.

Fellow Lionesses centurion Ellen White will also be providing analysis. White has been a consistent presence in BBC’s coverage of women’s football, including the Women’s Euros last summer.

Former Liverpool and Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy continues as one of the BBC’s most seasoned pundits. Murphy will contribute both in the studio and as a co-commentator.

Ex-Celtic captain Scott Brown will offer his perspective as Scotland returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Rachel Corsie, capped 154 times for Scotland, joins the pundit team and will also take up co-commentary duties.

Former Scotland international James McFadden will be part of the BBC’s team, contributing as both a co-commentator and a 5 Live analyst during the tournament.

France’s all-time leading scorer Olivier Giroud will make his BBC debut as a pundit. The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker, recently seen on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, adds international star quality to the line-up.

Giroud will be joined by his former France teammate Gael Clichy, who has transitioned into punditry after his playing career.

Former Chelsea and Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta will provide insight from a Spanish viewpoint, making his debut for the BBC team.

South Africa’s Benni McCarthy brings his expertise as his nation returns to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010, marking his first tournament with the BBC.

Although Wales narrowly missed qualification, former captain Ashley Williams will again appear as a BBC pundit, continuing his regular presence on Match of the Day.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank, who impressed as a pundit during Euro 2024, returns to the BBC team, though Denmark will not feature this time around.

Ex-referee Darren Cann will once again serve as the BBC’s referee analyst, providing officiating insights throughout the tournament.

Reporter Kelly Somers will deliver live updates and interviews from North America. Known for her Premier League coverage, Somers is a familiar face during BBC’s major tournament broadcasts.

Eilidh Barbour will focus on Scotland’s campaign as the BBC’s lead reporter for the nation.

Guy Mowbray will lead the BBC commentary team for his third World Cup as the broadcaster’s lead commentator. Many viewers will also recognise him as the voice of BBC One’s Gladiators.

Steve Wilson, another experienced voice, will continue his long-standing role in international tournament coverage, having been with the BBC since 1998.

Steve Bower, a regular on Match of the Day, will also feature on commentary, having worked with TNT Sports, PL Productions, and DAZN.

Jonathan Pearce returns for another World Cup, bringing his sharp wit and iconic commentary style, well known from his days covering Eric Cantona’s infamous kung-fu kick and hosting the BBC’s cult classic Robot Wars.

Robyn Cowen, the only female commentator in the BBC’s line-up, continues to impress audiences with her work on Match of the Day.

Steven Wyeth, who has called matches for both the BBC and TNT Sports, joins the commentary team as well.

Scottish commentator Liam McLeod will bring local insight to BBC’s coverage of Scotland’s matches.

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock will contribute as a co-commentator.

Ex-Nigeria international Efan Ekoku also returns as part of the co-commentary team.

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown will lend his distinctive voice and tactical insight to in-game analysis.

Ex-Lioness Sue Smith rounds out the co-commentary team, continuing her strong presence in BBC’s football broadcasts.