BBC reveals its World Cup expert team, but 11 usual names are not included
BBC Sport has just shared its full team of experts for the World Cup 2026, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament kicks off on June 11 at Mexico’s Estadio Azteca and wraps up with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
In the UK, live coverage is split between the BBC and ITV by law. The BBC will show 54 of the 104 games live from North America. With 48 teams playing, the BBC has put together a big group of experts, announcing on Monday that 18 pundits will help cover the games.
Some of the big names include former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer. You’ll also see ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud and former Tottenham and Brentford manager Thomas Frank.
However, not all famous faces are back for this World Cup. Gary Lineker, who has been a big part of BBC’s football coverage for years, won’t be here this time after leaving the BBC in May 2025. His departure came earlier than expected following a controversial social media post. Rio Ferdinand, Ian Rush, and Danny Gabbidon are also missing from the BBC’s pundit lineup.
Other well-known experts like Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany, Laura Georges, Jurgen Klinsmann, Pablo Zabaleta, Gilberto Silva, Didier Drogba, and Mark Schwarzer won’t be joining either. According to reports, there are various reasons for these choices.
Despite some familiar faces missing, the BBC’s team is still packed with top experts who can offer great insights on many teams. England and Scotland, the only home nations that qualified, will have plenty of representation. Along with Rooney and Shearer, pundits include Micah Richards, Joe Hart, Paul Robinson, Danny Murphy, and Lionesses stars Steph Houghton and Ellen White.
Scottish voices like Scott Brown, James McFadden, and Rachel Corsie will also join in. Alongside Giroud and Frank, you’ll find former pros Gael Clichy, Cesar Azpilicueta, Benni McCarthy, Ashley Williams, and Lucas Leiva.
Here’s the full list of BBC Sport’s commentators and pundits for TV and radio:
Alan Shearer, Ashley Williams, Benni McCarthy, Cesar Azpilicueta, Chris Sutton, Clinton Morrison, Conor Coady, Darren Cann, David Edgar, Dion Dublin, Efan Ekoku, Ellen White, Gael Clichy, Hassan Kachloul, James McFadden, Joe Hart, Kris Boyd, Leanne Crichton, Lucas Leiva, Martin Keown, Micah Richards, Neil McCann, Olivier Giroud, Pat Nevin, Paul Robinson, Rachel Corsie, Scott Brown, Steph Houghton, Stephen Warnock, Sue Smith, Theo Walcott, Thomas Frank, and Wayne Rooney.