Why the BBC aren’t presenting World Cup games from the US – and where their studio is based instead

The BBC and ITV are once again sharing live coverage of the World Cup in the UK, with every match from across the US, Canada and Mexico being shown for free on TV.

However, the two broadcasters are taking very different approaches to covering the biggest tournament in World Cup history.

ITV presenters Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods are anchoring coverage of the channel’s games from their studio in Brooklyn, New York, which boasts views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge.

But the BBC have decided instead to remain this side of the Atlantic, with the corporation hosting coverage from their studio in Salford – including for England’s Round of 32 clash with DR Congo on Wednesday evening.

The move has attracted a significant backlash in some quarters, with critics arguing the national broadcaster should be present at arguably the biggest TV event of the year.

The BBC has insisted their brand new, state of the art immersive studio will ‘transport viewers to 16 cities across three host nations’.

The BBC studio team, which is being led by presenters Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates, could still touchdown in North America – although not until the quarter-final stage at the earliest.

The BBC still have an on-the-ground presence throughout the World Cup, though, with commentators present themselves at matches to cover the action.

The reason for the BBC’s no-show in the early rounds of the tournament is due to a combination of financial and environmental considerations.

The cost of covering an expanded 48-team tournament across three different countries represents a significant increase on the normal World Cup outlay, not to mention the associated logistical nightmare.

Remaining at their BBC Sport base in Salford will also reduce air travel, which is essential to their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

The BBC’s punditry line-up consists of the likes of Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney, all of whom are regulars on the channel’s football output throughout the normal football season.

ITV’s team of experts is also not lacking in star power, with Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright on hand to provide their insight and analysis.

Should England beat DR Congo, their Round of 16 clash against Mexico will be shown live on the BBC.

Victory over the co-hosts would see England play in the quarter-final on ITV, while a possible semi-final would be on the BBC.

Both BBC and ITV will show the final on July 19.

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