ITV has assembled Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane for World Cup punditry and will broadcast from a New York studio. Punters: expect sharper pre-match analysis on England matches—markets may tighten for England to progress as ITV’s live, US-based coverage and in-booth expertise could shorten early odds.
ITV names Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane in World Cup punditry line-up
ITV has confirmed a star-studded punditry team for the summer’s World Cup, led by Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane. The broadcaster will operate from a purpose-built studio in New York with a backdrop of Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan, aiming to deliver high-profile analysis across key fixtures.
On-air team and match coverage
Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods are expected to front ITV’s tournament coverage, with Pougatch set to be in the commentary booth for England matches. ITV will broadcast 29 group-stage games, including England’s opener against Croatia in Dallas on June 17 and the group finale versus Panama on June 27, as part of the split schedule with the other rights holder.
New York base and production plans
ITV’s New York studio is designed to give viewers a premium visual and production experience during a tournament staged across the US, Mexico and Canada. Basing presenters and lead pundits in the United States allows live cross-country coverage and rapid reaction for high-profile matches played on US soil.
How ITV’s approach differs from rivals
The rival broadcaster will not establish a US studio and is not planning to deploy its top pundits until the quarter-final stage. That strategy is being attributed to rising costs of covering a tournament across three countries, a heavier match schedule and a decision to retain some coverage from headquarters in Salford.
Implications for viewers and betting markets
A full-time, US-based pundit team offers more immediate tactical breakdowns and pre/post-match debate during England fixtures.
For punters, increased expert analysis and in-studio focus on England could influence market activity—expect sharper odds movement and heavier early interest on England-related bets when ITV leads the build-up.
What to watch
Key dates for ITV viewers include England v Croatia on June 17 and England v Panama on June 27.
Pundit-driven narratives and immediate studio reaction during those fixtures may drive live-betting volumes and shorter in-play prices on favourites.
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