ITV's World Cup broadcast underwent an unexpected shift in location.
Originally based in New York City for this summer’s World Cup, the ITV presenting team had planned to spend six weeks hosting from a rooftop with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.
In contrast to rival broadcaster BBC, which produces its studio segments from Media City in Salford, ITV’s American-based studio had been warmly received by viewers.
The ITV World Cup studio was situated atop a luxury residential building in Dumbo — short for ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass’ — located next to Brooklyn Bridge.
The venue offered stunning views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline, bringing a distinctly New York flavour to the network’s coverage.
However, presenter Laura Woods and pundits Juan Mata, Patrick Vieira, and Karen Carney were compelled to move during coverage of Switzerland’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Strong winds in the area disrupted the live broadcast, causing sound distortion and visibly affecting the presenters’ hair and clothing.
The team soon resumed coverage from an emergency indoor studio within the same apartment complex, ensuring a smoother continuation of the programme.
ITV’s wind-related difficulties coincided with widespread weather disruptions across New York, where the US Open in Long Island was temporarily halted due to fog.
Woods told viewers, “We have relocated downstairs and inside to get away from the wind.”
She added, “Just to give you an idea of how windy it was — and in case you didn’t see us being blown about — day one of the US Open was also suspended, and they’re not far from us.”
“So yes, very windy. But inside here, it’s absolutely great.”
So far, fears that extreme weather could affect World Cup fixtures have not materialised, despite earlier warnings before the tournament’s opening games.
Last year’s Club World Cup in the United States was heavily affected by electrical storms, with six matches suspended, including Chelsea’s last-16 clash with Benfica.
That match was halted in the 86th minute and resumed two hours later, while England’s friendly with Costa Rica in Orlando was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms.
Fortunately, similar weather concerns have yet to disrupt this year’s World Cup coverage.
-
Jesse Marsch in Touchline Dispute After Canada’s Historic World Cup Win Over Qatar

-
Weston McKennie Responds to 26 Rapid-Fire Questions

-
International Yoga Day 2026 special: People are not getting peaceful sleep, alarm bells for these areas

-
Best budget-friendly places to visit in summer

-
West Bengal: Another big blow to TMC, former minister Jyotipriya Mallik resigns from all party posts, gives reason
