BBC criticised for plan to cover some World Cup 2026 games remotely

"The 2026 tournament will be the biggest ever, hosted across three countries, different timezones and including an expanded 48-team lineup. To keep a handle on costs, the BBC is considering asking TV commentators and pundits to cover some lower-demand games from its base in Salford, Manchester. The unprecedented plans mark the latest BBC attempt to adapt to the falling value of licence fee income, which has declined by about a third since 2010."

"The costs associated with having commentary teams in a stadium, even without accommodation and flight expenses, are understood to be significant. However, it is expected that the broadcaster will have commentators and pundits in the US throughout the tournament for major games, including all of those played by the home nations. Insiders have denied claims that its commentators will not broadcast from the US until the quarter-final stages."

"The tournament will take place in the US, Canada and Mexico, with some games kicking off as late as 2am BST. The expanded format means it features some smaller teams, such as Uzbekistan, Curacao and Haiti. BBC planners are worried about spending limited resources on less popular fixtures in the early hours of the morning. It has also proven difficult for the BBC to plan a central US hub for its coverage."

The BBC plans to cover some 2026 World Cup matches remotely from its Salford base to reduce costs. The 2026 tournament will be hosted across the US, Canada and Mexico, include 48 teams and present wide timezones and travel demands. Licence-fee income has declined by about a third since 2010, prompting cost-saving measures. Stadium commentary teams generate significant expenses even excluding flights and accommodation, so commentators and pundits may cover lower-demand, early-morning fixtures from Manchester. The broadcaster expects to station commentators in the US for major matches including home nations, but planners worry about allocating limited resources across dispersed venues and late kick-offs.

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