The Guardian has published a rundown of six football pundits who have stood out on television during the 2026 World Cup in North America, spanning broadcasters in the UK, US and Australia. The piece matters mainly as a snapshot of how retired players are shaping tournament coverage across three markets, praising analysts who offer genuine tactical insight rather than cliché.

In the UK, the BBC's Joe Hart is commended for his goalkeeping-specific analysis, including his reading of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's goal against England in Atlanta, while ITV's Roy Keane is credited with a calmer, more analytical style alongside Emma Hayes. In the US, Fox's coverage features Clint Dempsey, who returned to the game as a commentator in 2021 after stepping away in 2018, and the Dutch great Clarence Seedorf, admired even by Zlatan Ibrahimović. Australia's SBS panel is highlighted for Harry Kewell, who has drawn on his coaching experience to analyse the Socceroos, and Kevin-Prince Boateng, the Germany-born Ghana international now based in Australia as coach of its six-a-side team.