The 2022 World Cup will break new ground in the competition's history as Qatar gears up to become the first tournament hosts from the Middle East.
However, despite the changes to the event in 2022, UK fans will have some vital consistency in the coming weeks, with the BBC and ITV confirming their plans to broadcast and live stream every game.
As part of their traditional tournament coverage, both broadcasters will be sending some of the most famous voices behind Premier League football to Qatar to commentate on the matches, with big-name former international players joining the live anchors on in-game punditry duty.
In the knockout stages, there will be some competition for viewers between the two terrestrial heavyweights, and they have line-ups packed with talent.
MORE: When is the 2022 World Cup in Qatar? Key dates, draw, schedule and match times
ITV Commentators, presenters and pundits
ITV's World Cup team boasts some of the most experienced football commentators in the business, and they will be joined in Qatar by co-commentators who have played the game at the highest level.
Sam Matterface
Having replaced Clive Tyldesley as ITV's lead football and England commentator at the start of the 2020/21 season, Sam Matterface heads up the broadcaster's commentary team in Qatar.
Clive Tyldesley
With an ITV career that stretches all the way back to 1987, Clive Tyldesley was named Sports Commentator of the Year four times by the Royal Television Society and remains a key part of ITV's team at the World Cup.
We could listen to @CliveTyldesley talk through his match notes all day. In fact, we might do just that.pic.twitter.com/UZq2Dv0sCi
— COPA90 (@Copa90) August 21, 2022
Jon Champion
Having made his name at BBC Sport in the 1980s and 90s, Jon Champion is now an ITV mainstay.
Seb Hutchinson
Having covered the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Rugby World Cup and the Champions League in his burgeoning career, Seb Hutchinson is ready to commentate on his third FIFA World Cup as he heads to Qatar with ITV.
Joe Speight
Joe Speight's commentating credits include more than five years of experience with the Premier League along with work for BT Sport, ITV and NBC Sports.
Tom Gayle
Known for his Potteries accent, Stoke-on-Trent-born commentator Tom Gayle has experience with the BBC and Sky but is with ITV in Qatar.
Lee Dixon
Former Arsenal and England full-back Lee Dixon will be resuming his role as co-commentator for ITV at the World Cup.
With my boy. @_WAHF #Ukraine @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/bGc1UjgLSk
— Lee Dixon 💙🇺🇦 (@LeeDixon2) August 6, 2022
Ally McCoist
Never short of a one-liner, former Scotland and Rangers striker Ally McCoist will be keeping ITV viewers entertained with his co-commentary.
John Hartson
Former Wales international John Hartson will be rooting for his fellow countrymen while providing coverage for ITV.
Feel very privileged to be joining @itvfootball for the @WorldCupQatar12 with a fantastic team.. my 1st World Cup 👍🏻🙏🏻🏆 pic.twitter.com/hHZMmB8yXu
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) October 27, 2022
Andros Townsend
Everton winger Andros Townsend won 13 England caps between 2013 and 2016, and he will be offering his insight in Qatar.
Gabriel Clarke
Sports presenter, journalist and documentary filmmaker Gabriel Clarke will be behind the microphone as ITV's World Cup 2022 match coverage gets underway.
Michelle Owen
One of the UK's leading female sports presenters and the joint-lead presenter of Sky Sports' EFL coverage, Michelle Owen is on the ITV team heading to Qatar.
Very excited to be part of @itvfootball 2022 World Cup team! It would be remiss to share this and not acknowledge the controversy surrounding this tournament, I hope we can bring you the best of the football and Wales’ journey, while reporting on wider issues. #ITVFootball pic.twitter.com/C5qkKE6Be6
— Michelle Owen (@MichelleOwen7) October 27, 2022
Celina Hinchcliffe
The first woman to ever present BBC's Match of the Day in 2005, Celina Hinchcliffe now reports on football and tennis for ITV.
Mark Pougatch
Holding the distinction of being the longest-serving presenter in the history of BBC Radio's 'Sports Report' programme, Mark Pougatch is now ITV's chief sports presenter and will anchor the broadcaster's World Cup coverage.
Free to air @itv4 at 5 to 7 Bracknell v Ipswich in the FA Cup with goals and opinions in the form of @IanWright0 & @DarrenBent #FACup pic.twitter.com/gCUBXRYxsq
— Mark Pougatch (@markpougatch) November 7, 2022
Laura Woods
As the lead host on talkSPORT's radio breakfast show, Laura Woods has built a stellar reputation for interviewing the biggest names in football and she is one of ITV's main World Cup presenters.
Channelling MC Hammer 👌🏼 pic.twitter.com/HmFfi9tsuD
— Laura Woods (@laura_woodsy) September 25, 2022
Seema Jaswal
Having presented Champions League coverage for BT Sport in the 2021/22 season, the highly experienced Seema Jaswal joins Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods as one of ITV's main World Cup presenters.
Made the starting line up for my second FIFA World Cup!
— Seema Jaswal (@seemajaswal) November 9, 2022
I’ll be presenting the live matches with the brilliant @itvfootball team.
We’ll be bringing you the best of the football as well as covering all the important stories on & off the field.
11 days to go, see you there!💛 pic.twitter.com/MWAWgaMP9p
Ian Wright
Arsenal legend Ian Wright is known for his honest, often emotionally charged analysis — especially when covering his beloved England.
Well said, @IanWright0 👏#LetGirlsPlay pic.twitter.com/hkqDumTdvV
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) October 11, 2022
Roy Keane
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane is almost as famous for his studio tirades as he is for his distinguished football career, and he's among the ITV pundits.
Gary Neville
Keane's former United teammate Gary Neville loves a debate and will be getting his teeth into the key issues in Qatar as part of ITV's team.
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) October 29, 2022
Karen Carney
A European Championship runner-up with England and a three-time Women's Premier League winner with Arsenal, Karen Carney brings heaps of insight.
Graeme Souness
Softly spoken but rarely without a strong opinion, former Scotland international midfielder Graeme Souness will pull no punches in his World Cup analysis.
Joe Cole
Former Chelsea and West Ham midfielder Joe Cole was capped 56 times by England between 2001 and 2010, and he is on punditry duties for ITV in Qatar.
Eniola Aluko
Eniola Aluko earned 102 England caps and played in three Women's World Cup finals tournaments across a glittering career at the highest level.
Huge thank you @BarclaysWSL & The FA for choosing me as a Hall of Fame inductee alongside other inspiring players. I’m truly honoured & appreciative of this special recognition. I cherish such incredible memories playing for @BCFCWomen & @ChelseaFCW that will stay with me forever pic.twitter.com/AiTyVgGajX
— Eniola Aluko (@EniAlu) October 27, 2022
Nigel de Jong
Famous for his kung-fu-style kick on Xabi Alonso in the final of World Cup 2010, Nigel de Jong is backing his home country Netherlands to triumph in Qatar while he aims to deliver analysis with a little more precision than that attempted tackle.
Nadia Nadim
Denmark international Nadia Nadim players as an attacker for Racing Louisville FC in the National Women's Soccer League..
Hal Robson-Kanu
Wales international Hal Robson-Kanu brings experience at the highest level to ITV's team of pundits, having scored for his country in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.
BBC Commentators, presenters and pundits
A host of former players and broadcast greats make up the BBC team of commentators and pundits heading to Qatar to cover the 2022 World Cup on BBC TV, iPlayer and radio.
Gary Lineker
Winner of the Golden Boot for his six goals at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, former England striker Gary Lineker anchors the BBC's World Cup coverage.
You can take the striker out of the competition... but you can't take the competition out of the striker, eh @GaryLineker @alanshearer!#MOTDTop10 #BBCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/uBdzh7j2Dn
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 14, 2022
Gabby Logan
Born in Leeds but a Welsh national, former international rhythmic gymnast Gabby Logan may be rooting for England or Wales as she covers the fourth World Cup of her esteemed broadcast career.
Mark Chapman
With a broadcast career that has included stints as a presenter on Final Score, Match of the Day 2 and other BBC Sport programmes, Mark Chapman is heading to Qatar as part of the BBC's team.
Kelly Cates
Having covered Euro 2020 with ESPN, Kelly Cates built her broadcast career with Sky Sports and is part of the BBC's coverage team in Qatar.
Alan Shearer
The closest Alan Shearer came to winning the World Cup was a quarter-final appearance against Argentina at the 1998 finals in France. He is a long-serving BBC pundit.
Rio Ferdinand
Part of England's heralded 'golden generation' of footballing talent who played at two World Cups, Rio Ferdinand was also named England captain for the final in 2010 but missed the tournament due to injury. He brings unrivalled insight to the BBC's team of analysts.
Proud moment with my loved ones! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/m0EroiZlkO
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) November 8, 2022
Jermaine Jenas
Former Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jermaine Jenas won 21 caps for England during his playing career and is now a presenter for the BBC.
Micah Richards
With a characteristic laugh that is becoming his broadcasting trademark, former Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards will be bringing levity to the BBC studio in Qatar.
Alex Scott
A runner-up at the UEFA Women's Championship in 2009 and part of the England team that finished third at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, Alex Scott brings a wealth of experience to the BBC team. She won praise on social media prior to England's first match of the tournament when she wore the rainbow armband that captain Harry Kane had been instructed not to use during the game.
Alex Scott is wearing a OneLove armband while reporting on England's World Cup game in Qatar. pic.twitter.com/bHDWqGRFzY
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) November 21, 2022
Danny Gabbidon
Former West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon won 49 caps for Wales during his career and he will be cheering on his fellow countrymen in Qatar while on punditry duties for the BBC.
Ian Rush
Legendary Liverpool and Wales striker Ian Rush has been recruited to the BBC's team for the World Cup as Wales play at their first finals since 1958.
Ashley Williams
Part of the Wales team that famously reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, Ashley Williams brings experience of 86 caps for Wales to the BBC's punditry team in Qatar.
Vincent Kompany
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany captained Belgium in their first World Cup match in 12 years when they played Algeria at the 2014 finals. He also played five games at the 2018 World Cup and will be a BBC pundit in Qatar.
What an honour it is to be inducted into the @premierleague Hall of Fame. Humbled and proud to be amongst such giants.
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) April 22, 2022
I am so grateful to have been a part of the rise of our @ManCity in the toughest of all competitions. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/Ch7Y9rhoYO
Didier Drogba
With 105 caps for Ivory Coast to his name, Didier Drogba is one of the most experienced international players in the BBC media roster for Qatar 2022.
Laura Georges
Former France centre-back Laura Georges played at the 2003, 2011 and 2015 editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup in a career that saw her earn a staggering 188 caps for her country. She is now a senior official with the French Football Federation.
Jurgen Klinsmann
A World Cup winner with West Germany in 1990, BBC pundit Jurgen Klinsmann also managed his country to a third-place finish at the 2006 tournament.
Mark Schwarzer
Mark Schwarzer was part of the Australia squads that went to the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and he is on the BBC's team of pundits covering the Socceroos in Qatar.
Gilberto Silva
Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva won 93 caps for Brazil in his career and played in every minute of every match as the Selecao won the 2002 World Cup.
FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola 🏆⚽️ Onde a mágica acontece!
— Gilberto Silva (@GilbertoSilva) August 19, 2022
Uma honra poder fazer parte desse evento e estar mais uma vez perto da Taça! Sempre uma emoção! pic.twitter.com/6LQaRBVA0g
Pablo Zabaleta
After Diego Maradona failed to select him for the 2010 finals, Pablo Zabaleta made his World Cup debut at the 2014 tournament and will be sharing insights on the BBC in Qatar.
How to Watch World Cup in the UK
- Dates: Sunday, November 20 — Sunday, December 18
- TV channel: BBC One, ITV
- Streaming: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website/app, ITV Hub (ITVX from December 8), S4C (Welsh language option for Wales matches)
Group Stage
Round 1 fixtures
| Date | Time (GMT) | Group | Match | TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Nov. 20 | 4:00 p.m. | Group A | Qatar vs. Ecuador | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Mon, Nov. 21 | 1:00 p.m. | Group B | England vs. Iran | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Mon, Nov. 21 | 4:00 p.m. | Group A | Senegal vs. Netherlands | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Mon, Nov. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | Group B | USA vs. Wales | ITV, STV, S4C | ITV Hub, STV Player, S4C Online |
| Tue, Nov. 22 | 10:00 a.m. | Group C | Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Tue, Nov. 22 | 1:00 p.m. | Group D | Denmark vs. Tunisia | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Tue, Nov. 22 | 4:00 p.m. | Group C | Mexico vs. Poland | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Tue, Nov. 22 | 7:00 p.m. | Group D | France vs. Australia | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Wed, Nov. 23 | 10:00 a.m. | Group F | Morocco vs. Croatia | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Wed, Nov. 23 | 1:00 p.m. | Group E | Germany vs. Japan | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Wed, Nov. 23 | 4:00 p.m. | Group E | Spain vs. Costa Rica | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Wed, Nov 23 | 7:00 p.m. | Group F | Belgium vs. Canada | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Thu, Nov. 24 | 10:00 a.m. | Group G | Switzerland vs. Cameroon | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Thu, Nov. 24 | 1:00 p.m. | Group H | Uruguay vs. South Korea | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Thu, Nov. 24 | 4:00 p.m. | Group H | Portugal vs. Ghana | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Thu, Nov. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | Group G | Brazil vs. Serbia | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
Round 2 fixtures
| Date | Time (GMT) | Group | Match | TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Nov. 25 | 10:00 a.m. | Group B | Wales vs. Iran | BBC, S4C | BBC iPlayer, S4C Online |
| Fri, Nov. 25 | 1:00 p.m. | Group A | Qatar vs. Senegal | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Fri, Nov. 25 | 4:00 p.m. | Group A | Netherlands vs. Ecuador | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Fri, Nov. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | Group B | England vs. USA | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Sat, Nov. 26 | 10:00 a.m. | Group D | Tunisia vs. Australia | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Sat, Nov. 26 | 1:00 p.m. | Group C | Poland vs. S. Arabia | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Sat, Nov. 26 | 4:00 p.m. | Group D | France vs. Denmark | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Sat, Nov. 26 | 7:00 p.m. | Group C | Argentina vs. Mexico | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Sun, Nov. 27 | 10:00 a.m. | Group E | Japan vs. Costa Rica | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Sun, Nov. 27 | 1:00 p.m. | Group F | Belgium vs. Morocco | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Sun, Nov. 27 | 4:00 p.m. | Group F | Croatia vs. Canada | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Sun, Nov. 27 | 7:00 p.m. | Group E | Spain vs. Germany | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Mon, Nov. 28 | 10:00 a.m. | Group G | Cameroon vs. Serbia | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Mon, Nov. 28 | 1:00 p.m. | Group H | South Korea vs. Ghana | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Mon, Nov. 28 | 4:00 p.m. | Group G | Brazil vs. Switzerland | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Mon, Nov. 28 | 7:00 p.m. | Group H | Portugal vs. Uruguay | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
Round 3 fixtures
| Date | Time (GMT) | Group | Match | TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Nov. 29 | 3:00 p.m. | Group A | Netherlands vs. Qatar | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Tue, Nov. 29 | 3:00 p.m. | Group A | Ecuador vs. Senegal | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Tue, Nov. 29 | 7:00 p.m. | Group B | Iran vs. USA | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website, S4C Online |
| Tue, Nov. 29 | 7:00 p.m. | Group B | Wales vs. England | BBC, S4C | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website, S4C Online |
| Wed, Nov. 30 | 3:00 p.m. | Group D | Tunisia vs. France | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Wed, Nov. 30 | 3:00 p.m. | Group D | Australia vs. Denmark | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Wed, Nov. 30 | 7:00 p.m. | Group C | Poland vs. Argentina | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Wed, Nov. 30 | 7:00 p.m. | Group C | Saudi Arabia vs. Mexico | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Thu, Dec. 1 | 3:00 p.m. | Group F | Croatia vs. Belgium | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Thu, Dec. 1 | 3:00 p.m. | Group F | Canada vs. Morocco | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Thu, Dec. 1 | 7:00 p.m. | Group E | Japan vs. Spain | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Thu, Dec 1 | 7:00 p.m. | Group E | Costa Rica vs. Germany | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Fri, Dec. 2 | 3:00 p.m. | Group H | South Korea vs. Portugal | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Fri, Dec. 2 | 3:00 p.m. | Group H | Ghana vs. Uruguay | BBC | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
| Fri, Dec. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | Group G | Cameroon vs. Brazil | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
| Fri, Dec. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | Group G | Serbia vs. Switzerland | ITV, STV | ITV Hub, STV Player |
Knockout Stage
Round of 16
| No. | Date | Time (GMT) | Match | TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R16 #1 | Sat, Dec. 3 | 3:00 p.m. | 1st, Group A vs. 2nd, Group B | TBC | TBC |
| R16 #2 | Sat, Dec. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | 1st, Group C vs. 2nd, Group D | TBC | TBC |
| R16 #3 | Sun, Dec. 4 | 3:00 p.m. | 1st, Group D vs. 2nd, Group C | TBC | TBC |
| R16 #4 | Sun, Dec. 4 | 7:00 p.m. | 1st, Group B vs. 2nd, Group A | TBC | TBC |
| R16 #5 | Mon, Dec. 5 | 3:00 p.m. | 1st, Group E vs. 2nd, Group F | TBC | TBC |
| R16 #6 | Mon, Dec. 5 | 7:00 p.m. | 1st, Group G vs. 2nd, Group H | TBC | TBC |
| R16 #7 | Tue, Dec. 6 | 3:00 p.m. | 1st, Group F vs. 2nd, Group E | TBC | TBC |
| R16 #8 | Tue, Dec. 6 | 7:00 p.m. | 1st, Group H vs. 2nd, Group G | TBC | TBC |
Broadcasters to be allocated matches following completion of group stage, with ITV having first and second picks.
Quarterfinals
| No. | Date | Time (GMT) | Match | TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QF #1 | Fri, Dec. 9 | 3:00 p.m. | Winner, R16 #5 vs. Winner, R16 #6 | TBC | TBC |
| QF #2 | Fri, Dec. 9 | 7:00 p.m. | Winner, R16 #1 vs. Winner, R16 #2 | TBC | TBC |
| QF #3 | Sat, Dec. 10 | 3:00 p.m. | Winner, R16 #7 vs. Winner, R16 #8 | TBC | TBC |
| QF #4 | Sat, Dec. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | Winner, R16 #3 vs. Winner, R16 #4 | TBC | TBC |
Broadcasters to be allocated matches following completion of last 16 stage, with ITV having first pick.
Semifinals
| No. | Date | Time (GMT) | Match | TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF #1 | Tue, Dec. 13 | 7:00 p.m. | Winner, QF #1 vs. Winner, QF #2 | TBC | TBC |
| SF #2 | Wed, Dec. 14 | 7:00 p.m. | Winner, QF #3 vs. Winner, QF #4 | TBC | TBC |
Broadcasters to be allocated matches following completion of quarterfinals stage, with BBC having first pick.
Third-Place Match
| Date | Time (GMT) | Match | TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Dec. 17 | 3:00 p.m. | Loser, SF #1 vs. Loser, SF #2 | TBC | TBC |
Final
| Date | Time (GMT) | Match | TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Dec. 18 | 3:00 p.m. | Winner, SF #1 vs. Winner, SF #2 | BBC One, ITV, STV | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website, ITVX, STV Player |