BBC set to make unprecedented broadcasting change to 2026 World Cup coverage

The BBC are planning to make a huge change to its broadcasting approach for the 2026 World Cup next summer.

For some of the games at the FIFA competition in North America, commentary will be taking place back home in the UK.

AFP

The Times report that commentator and pundit teams will be remaining in their Salford studios instead.

Some ex-footballers who have been offered roles for World Cup coverage on the BBC have been told they will be attending in person.

However, some have been informed that they will have to watch via a live TV feed of the games at the BBC’s headquarters.

It will be an unprecedented change from the broadcaster having never taking this approach previously for the World Cup.

The decision is reported to have been made partially for cost reasons and partially to reduce their carbon footprint.

A huge amount of travelling will be required to attend games at the tournament next summer, with it being extended to 48 teams.

There are now 72 group matches and 104 in total, with fixtures spread across the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Compared to the last World Cup in Qatar, that is an increase of 40 games and a lot more travelling between games.

A BBC insider has told The Times though, that there will still be plenty of reporters, pundits and commentators on the ground.

ITV are not expected to follow the BBC’s new approach to coverage.

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Where are the World Cup games taking place?

The 2026 World Cup is the first ever to be spread across three host nations, the United States, Canada and Mexico.

There are going to be 16 host cities in total, 11 of those in the USA, two in Canada and three in Mexico.

Some of the stadiums selected include the 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium in New York City, the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, which holds 80,000 and the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City holds 83,264 fans and is the biggest venue hosting games in Mexico.

In Canada, BC Place in Vancouver can hold 54,500 people.

The distance between BC Place and the Hard Rock Stadium is almost 3,500 miles, showing just how far away some grounds are from each other.

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When is the World Cup?

The World Cup opener will take place on Thursday, June 11.

It will run for over a month and come to a close with the final scheduled for Sunday, July 19.

UK fans will be able to watch the games live across the BBC and ITV, albeit with the former’s new approach.

talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will be right across all of the action throughout the tournament too.

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