The Guardian ran a lighthearted comparison of the BBC's and ITV's coverage of the 2026 World Cup, judging each broadcaster across categories such as studio setup, punditry, commentary, post-match interviews and refereeing analysis. The piece frames World Cup coverage as a long-running domestic rivalry between the two UK broadcasters, noting that ITV generally edged out the BBC this tournament, particularly through its stronger studio presence in New York and a more assured line-up of pundits.

ITV was praised for basing its coverage in New York with pundits including Roy Keane, Ange Postecoglou, Jobi McAnuff and Ian Wright, alongside Christina Unkel's clear refereeing analysis, while the BBC opted for a digital studio in Salford and was seen as still adjusting to life after Gary Lineker, with Joe Hart singled out as its standout performer. The BBC fared better on commentary, with Guy Mowbray rated above ITV's Sam Matterface, and won plaudits for Harry Kane's viral post-match interview after England's win over Mexico, in contrast to criticism of ITV reporter Gabriel Clarke for reopening tensions between Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham following England's quarter-final exit to Norway.