BBC World Cup pundits, presenters and commentators in full

The BBC will broadcast its first group stage match of the 2026 World Cup when hosts Canada face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday, with a host of high-profile presenters and pundits joining its team for the tournament.

In total, the BBC will show 54 of the 104 matches at this summer's showpiece event in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott are leading their TV coverage.

Logan will host Friday night's game between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, while former Manchester City defender Micah Richards will join World Cup winner Olivier Giroud on punditry duty.

For listeners, the game will also be covered on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and BBC Sport Online in audio form, with Kelly Cates presenting the radio coverage.

So, who will be at the centre of the action over the coming six weeks?

BBC World Cup presenters

As mentioned above, Gabby Logan will host coverage of Canada versus Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday night.

Logan, who has worked as a broadcaster for the BBC since January 2007, is expected to become the first woman to anchor coverage of the World Cup final for the BBC, according to widespread reports.

Gabby Logan is expected to be the presenter for the World Cup final. Image credit: Getty

Logan's Match of the Day colleague Kelly Cates has also signed up to lead BBC Sport's TV coverage alongside Mark Chapman and former England and Arsenal defender Alex Scott.

BBC World Cup pundits

Those tuning into Canada's opener will be welcomed by Micah Richards and Olivier Giroud.

Beyond Friday's game and some familiar pundits will feature on the BBC's coverage in the coming weeks, including Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Ellen White, Steph Houghton, Rachel Corsie and Joe Hart.

Former Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta, who announced his retirement from professional football in May, will also discuss the big talking points, as well as Benni McCarthy, Lucas Leiva and Thomas Frank.

BBC World Cup commentators

For those who appreciate the fine art of commentary, Guy Mowbray, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower, Jonathan Pearce, Robyn Cowen, Steven Wyeth and Liam McLeod will lead the line.

Alan Shearer will also provide co-commentary alongside his work as a pundit.

Alan Shearer has a busy summer ahead. Image credit: Getty

READ MORE: ITV World Cup pundits, presenters and commentators in full

Danny Murphy, Stephen Warnock, Efan Ekoku, Martin Keown, Sue Smith, Rachel Corsie, James McFadden and Paul Robinson will also work as co-commentators throughout the tournament.

BBC's World Cup team in full

Presenters

• Kelly Cates
• Mark Chapman
• Gabby Logan
• Alex Scott

Pundits

• Alan Shearer
• Wayne Rooney
• Ellen White
• Steph Houghton
• Rachel Corsie
• Joe Hart

Commentators

• Guy Mowbray
• Steve Wilson
• Steve Bower
• Jonathan Pearce
• Robyn Cowen
• Steven Wyeth
• Liam McLeod

Co-commentators

• Alan Shearer
• Danny Murphy
• Stephen Warnock
• Efan Ekoku
• Martin Keown
• Sue Smith
• Rachel Corsie
• James McFadden
• Paul Robinson