BBC, ITV World Cup presenters: Pundits, commentators at Qatar 2022 as Laura Woods hosts first match

Stephen Creek

BBC, ITV World Cup presenters: Pundits, commentators at Qatar 2022 as Laura Woods hosts first match image

The 2022 World Cup will break new ground in the competition's history as Qatar gears up to become the first tournament hosts from the Middle East.

However, despite the changes to the event in 2022, UK fans will have some vital consistency in the coming weeks, with the BBC and ITV confirming their plans to broadcast and live stream every game.

As part of their traditional tournament coverage, both broadcasters will be sending some of the most famous voices behind Premier League football to Qatar to commentate on the matches, with big-name former international players joining the live anchors on in-game punditry duty.

In the knockout stages, there will be some competition for viewers between the two terrestrial heavyweights, and they have line-ups packed with talent.

MORE: When is the 2022 World Cup in Qatar? Key dates, draw, schedule and match times

ITV Commentators, presenters and pundits

ITV's World Cup team boasts some of the most experienced football commentators in the business, and they will be joined in Qatar by co-commentators who have played the game at the highest level.

Sam Matterface

Having replaced Clive Tyldesley as ITV's lead football and England commentator at the start of the 2020/21 season, Sam Matterface heads up the broadcaster's commentary team in Qatar.

Clive Tyldesley

With an ITV career that stretches all the way back to 1987, Clive Tyldesley was named Sports Commentator of the Year four times by the Royal Television Society and remains a key part of ITV's team at the World Cup.

Jon Champion

Having made his name at BBC Sport in the 1980s and 90s, Jon Champion is now an ITV mainstay.

Seb Hutchinson

Having covered the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Rugby World Cup and the Champions League in his burgeoning career, Seb Hutchinson is ready to commentate on his third FIFA World Cup as he heads to Qatar with ITV.

Joe Speight

Joe Speight's commentating credits include more than five years of experience with the Premier League along with work for BT Sport, ITV and NBC Sports.

Tom Gayle

Known for his Potteries accent, Stoke-on-Trent-born commentator Tom Gayle has experience with the BBC and Sky but is with ITV in Qatar.

Lee Dixon

Former Arsenal and England full-back Lee Dixon will be resuming his role as co-commentator for ITV at the World Cup.

Ally McCoist

Never short of a one-liner, former Scotland and Rangers striker Ally McCoist will be keeping ITV viewers entertained with his co-commentary.

John Hartson

Former Wales international John Hartson will be rooting for his fellow countrymen while providing coverage for ITV.

Andros Townsend

Everton winger Andros Townsend won 13 England caps between 2013 and 2016, and he will be offering his insight in Qatar.

Gabriel Clarke

Sports presenter, journalist and documentary filmmaker Gabriel Clarke will be behind the microphone as ITV's World Cup 2022 match coverage gets underway.

Michelle Owen

One of the UK's leading female sports presenters and the joint-lead presenter of Sky Sports' EFL coverage, Michelle Owen is on the ITV team heading to Qatar.

Celina Hinchcliffe

The first woman to ever present BBC's Match of the Day in 2005, Celina Hinchcliffe now reports on football and tennis for ITV.

Mark Pougatch

Holding the distinction of being the longest-serving presenter in the history of BBC Radio's 'Sports Report' programme, Mark Pougatch is now ITV's chief sports presenter and will anchor the broadcaster's World Cup coverage.

Laura Woods

As the lead host on talkSPORT's radio breakfast show, Laura Woods has built a stellar reputation for interviewing the biggest names in football and she is one of ITV's main World Cup presenters.

Seema Jaswal

Having presented Champions League coverage for BT Sport in the 2021/22 season, the highly experienced Seema Jaswal joins Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods as one of ITV's main World Cup presenters.

Ian Wright

Arsenal legend Ian Wright is known for his honest, often emotionally charged analysis — especially when covering his beloved England.

Roy Keane

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane is almost as famous for his studio tirades as he is for his distinguished football career, and he's among the ITV pundits.

Gary Neville

Keane's former United teammate Gary Neville loves a debate and will be getting his teeth into the key issues in Qatar as part of ITV's team.

Karen Carney

A European Championship runner-up with England and a three-time Women's Premier League winner with Arsenal, Karen Carney brings heaps of insight.

Graeme Souness

Softly spoken but rarely without a strong opinion, former Scotland international midfielder Graeme Souness will pull no punches in his World Cup analysis.

Joe Cole

Former Chelsea and West Ham midfielder Joe Cole was capped 56 times by England between 2001 and 2010, and he is on punditry duties for ITV in Qatar.

Eniola Aluko

Eniola Aluko earned 102 England caps and played in three Women's World Cup finals tournaments across a glittering career at the highest level.

Nigel de Jong

Famous for his kung-fu-style kick on Xabi Alonso in the final of World Cup 2010, Nigel de Jong is backing his home country Netherlands to triumph in Qatar while he aims to deliver analysis with a little more precision than that attempted tackle.

Nadia Nadim

Denmark international Nadia Nadim players as an attacker for Racing Louisville FC in the National Women's Soccer League..

Hal Robson-Kanu

Wales international Hal Robson-Kanu brings experience at the highest level to ITV's team of pundits, having scored for his country in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.

MORE: World Cup 2022 Group B: Match schedule, fixtures, times and dates for England, USA, Iran, Wales in Qatar

BBC Commentators, presenters and pundits 

A host of former players and broadcast greats make up the BBC team of commentators and pundits heading to Qatar to cover the 2022 World Cup on BBC TV, iPlayer and radio.

Gary Lineker

Winner of the Golden Boot for his six goals at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, former England striker Gary Lineker anchors the BBC's World Cup coverage.

Gabby Logan

Born in Leeds but a Welsh national, former international rhythmic gymnast Gabby Logan may be rooting for England or Wales as she covers the fourth World Cup of her esteemed broadcast career.

Mark Chapman

With a broadcast career that has included stints as a presenter on Final Score, Match of the Day 2 and other BBC Sport programmes, Mark Chapman is heading to Qatar as part of the BBC's team.

Kelly Cates

Having covered Euro 2020 with ESPN, Kelly Cates built her broadcast career with Sky Sports and is part of the BBC's coverage team in Qatar.

Alan Shearer

The closest Alan Shearer came to winning the World Cup was a quarter-final appearance against Argentina at the 1998 finals in France. He is a long-serving BBC pundit.

Rio Ferdinand

Part of England's heralded 'golden generation' of footballing talent who played at two World Cups, Rio Ferdinand was also named England captain for the final in 2010 but missed the tournament due to injury. He brings unrivalled insight to the BBC's team of analysts.

Jermaine Jenas

Former Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jermaine Jenas won 21 caps for England during his playing career and is now a presenter for the BBC.

Micah Richards

With a characteristic laugh that is becoming his broadcasting trademark, former Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards will be bringing levity to the BBC studio in Qatar.

Alex Scott

A runner-up at the UEFA Women's Championship in 2009 and part of the England team that finished third at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, Alex Scott brings a wealth of experience to the BBC team. She won praise on social media prior to England's first match of the tournament when she wore the rainbow armband that captain Harry Kane had been instructed not to use during the game.

Danny Gabbidon

Former West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon won 49 caps for Wales during his career and he will be cheering on his fellow countrymen in Qatar while on punditry duties for the BBC.

Ian Rush

Legendary Liverpool and Wales striker Ian Rush has been recruited to the BBC's team for the World Cup as Wales play at their first finals since 1958.

Ashley Williams

Part of the Wales team that famously reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, Ashley Williams brings experience of 86 caps for Wales to the BBC's punditry team in Qatar.

Vincent Kompany

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany captained Belgium in their first World Cup match in 12 years when they played Algeria at the 2014 finals. He also played five games at the 2018 World Cup and will be a BBC pundit in Qatar.

Didier Drogba

With 105 caps for Ivory Coast to his name, Didier Drogba is one of the most experienced international players in the BBC media roster for Qatar 2022.

Laura Georges

Former France centre-back Laura Georges played at the 2003, 2011 and 2015 editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup in a career that saw her earn a staggering 188 caps for her country. She is now a senior official with the French Football Federation.

Jurgen Klinsmann

A World Cup winner with West Germany in 1990, BBC pundit Jurgen Klinsmann also managed his country to a third-place finish at the 2006 tournament.

Mark Schwarzer

Mark Schwarzer was part of the Australia squads that went to the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and he is on the BBC's team of pundits covering the Socceroos in Qatar.

Gilberto Silva

Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva won 93 caps for Brazil in his career and played in every minute of every match as the Selecao won the 2002 World Cup.

Pablo Zabaleta

After Diego Maradona failed to select him for the 2010 finals, Pablo Zabaleta made his World Cup debut at the 2014 tournament and will be sharing insights on the BBC in Qatar.

How to Watch World Cup in the UK

  • Dates: Sunday, November 20 — Sunday, December 18
  • TV channel: BBC One, ITV
  • Streaming: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website/app, ITV Hub (ITVX from December 8), S4C (Welsh language option for Wales matches)

Group Stage

Round 1 fixtures

Date Time (GMT) Group Match TV Streaming
Sun, Nov. 20 4:00 p.m. Group A Qatar vs. Ecuador BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Mon, Nov. 21 1:00 p.m. Group B England vs. Iran BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Mon, Nov. 21 4:00 p.m. Group A Senegal vs. Netherlands ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Mon, Nov. 21 7:00 p.m. Group B USA vs. Wales ITV, STV, S4C ITV Hub, STV Player, S4C Online
Tue, Nov. 22 10:00 a.m. Group C Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Tue, Nov. 22 1:00 p.m. Group D Denmark vs. Tunisia ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Tue, Nov. 22 4:00 p.m. Group C Mexico vs. Poland BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Tue, Nov. 22 7:00 p.m. Group D France vs. Australia BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Wed, Nov. 23 10:00 a.m. Group F Morocco vs. Croatia ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Wed, Nov. 23 1:00 p.m. Group E Germany vs. Japan ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Wed, Nov. 23 4:00 p.m. Group E Spain vs. Costa Rica ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Wed, Nov 23 7:00 p.m. Group F Belgium vs. Canada BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Thu, Nov. 24 10:00 a.m. Group G Switzerland vs. Cameroon ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Thu, Nov. 24 1:00 p.m. Group H Uruguay vs. South Korea BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Thu, Nov. 24 4:00 p.m. Group H Portugal vs. Ghana ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Thu, Nov. 24 7:00 p.m. Group G Brazil vs. Serbia BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website

Round 2 fixtures

Date Time (GMT) Group Match TV Streaming
Fri, Nov. 25 10:00 a.m. Group B Wales vs. Iran BBC, S4C BBC iPlayer, S4C Online
Fri, Nov. 25 1:00 p.m. Group A Qatar vs. Senegal BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Fri, Nov. 25 4:00 p.m. Group A Netherlands vs. Ecuador ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Fri, Nov. 25 7:00 p.m. Group B England vs. USA ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Sat, Nov. 26 10:00 a.m. Group D Tunisia vs. Australia BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Sat, Nov. 26 1:00 p.m. Group C Poland vs. S. Arabia ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Sat, Nov. 26 4:00 p.m. Group D France vs. Denmark ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Sat, Nov. 26 7:00 p.m. Group C Argentina vs. Mexico ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Sun, Nov. 27 10:00 a.m. Group E Japan vs. Costa Rica ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Sun, Nov. 27 1:00 p.m. Group F Belgium vs. Morocco BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Sun, Nov. 27 4:00 p.m. Group F Croatia vs. Canada BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Sun, Nov. 27 7:00 p.m. Group E Spain vs. Germany BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Mon, Nov. 28 10:00 a.m. Group G Cameroon vs. Serbia ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Mon, Nov. 28 1:00 p.m. Group H South Korea vs. Ghana BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Mon, Nov. 28 4:00 p.m. Group G Brazil vs. Switzerland ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Mon, Nov. 28 7:00 p.m. Group H Portugal vs. Uruguay ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player

Round 3 fixtures

Date Time (GMT) Group Match TV Streaming
Tue, Nov. 29 3:00 p.m. Group A Netherlands vs. Qatar ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Tue, Nov. 29 3:00 p.m. Group A Ecuador vs. Senegal ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Tue, Nov. 29 7:00 p.m. Group B Iran vs. USA BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website, S4C Online
Tue, Nov. 29 7:00 p.m. Group B Wales vs. England BBC, S4C BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website, S4C Online
Wed, Nov. 30 3:00 p.m. Group D Tunisia vs. France BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Wed, Nov. 30 3:00 p.m. Group D Australia vs. Denmark BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Wed, Nov. 30 7:00 p.m. Group C Poland vs. Argentina BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Wed, Nov. 30 7:00 p.m. Group C Saudi Arabia vs. Mexico BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Thu, Dec. 1 3:00 p.m. Group F Croatia vs. Belgium BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Thu, Dec. 1 3:00 p.m. Group F Canada vs. Morocco BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Thu, Dec. 1 7:00 p.m. Group E Japan vs. Spain ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Thu, Dec 1 7:00 p.m. Group E Costa Rica vs. Germany ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Fri, Dec. 2 3:00 p.m. Group H South Korea vs. Portugal BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Fri, Dec. 2 3:00 p.m. Group H Ghana vs. Uruguay BBC BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Fri, Dec. 2 7:00 p.m. Group G Cameroon vs. Brazil ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player
Fri, Dec. 2 7:00 p.m. Group G Serbia vs. Switzerland ITV, STV ITV Hub, STV Player

Knockout Stage

Round of 16

No. Date Time (GMT) Match TV Streaming
R16 #1 Sat, Dec. 3 3:00 p.m. 1st, Group A vs. 2nd, Group B TBC TBC
R16 #2 Sat, Dec. 3 7:00 p.m. 1st, Group C vs. 2nd, Group D TBC TBC
R16 #3 Sun, Dec. 4 3:00 p.m. 1st, Group D vs. 2nd, Group C TBC TBC
R16 #4 Sun, Dec. 4 7:00 p.m. 1st, Group B vs. 2nd, Group A TBC TBC
R16 #5 Mon, Dec. 5 3:00 p.m. 1st, Group E vs. 2nd, Group F TBC TBC
R16 #6 Mon, Dec. 5 7:00 p.m. 1st, Group G vs. 2nd, Group H TBC TBC
R16 #7 Tue, Dec. 6 3:00 p.m. 1st, Group F vs. 2nd, Group E TBC TBC
R16 #8 Tue, Dec. 6 7:00 p.m. 1st, Group H vs. 2nd, Group G TBC TBC

Broadcasters to be allocated matches following completion of group stage, with ITV having first and second picks.

Quarterfinals

No. Date Time (GMT) Match TV Streaming
QF #1 Fri, Dec. 9 3:00 p.m. Winner, R16 #5 vs. Winner, R16 #6 TBC TBC
QF #2 Fri, Dec. 9 7:00 p.m. Winner, R16 #1 vs. Winner, R16 #2 TBC TBC
QF #3 Sat, Dec. 10 3:00 p.m. Winner, R16 #7 vs. Winner, R16 #8 TBC TBC
QF #4 Sat, Dec. 10 7:00 p.m. Winner, R16 #3 vs. Winner, R16 #4 TBC TBC

Broadcasters to be allocated matches following completion of last 16 stage, with ITV having first pick.

Semifinals

No. Date Time (GMT) Match TV Streaming
SF #1 Tue, Dec. 13 7:00 p.m. Winner, QF #1 vs. Winner, QF #2 TBC TBC
SF #2 Wed, Dec. 14 7:00 p.m. Winner, QF #3 vs. Winner, QF #4 TBC TBC

Broadcasters to be allocated matches following completion of quarterfinals stage, with BBC having first pick.

Third-Place Match

Date Time (GMT) Match TV Streaming
Sat, Dec. 17 3:00 p.m. Loser, SF #1 vs. Loser, SF #2 TBC TBC

Final

Date Time (GMT) Match TV Streaming
Sun, Dec. 18 3:00 p.m. Winner, SF #1 vs. Winner, SF #2 BBC One, ITV, STV BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website, ITVX, STV Player

Stephen Creek

Stephen Creek Photo

Stephen joined The Sporting News in 2022, having previously provided football news and match coverage for Stats Perform and The Press Association. He’s supported Leeds United for over 30 years and no, he’s still not over Bielsa.