THE World Cup is almost here and fans will soon have to pick which channel to follow it on.
The tournament is set to take place across Mexico, Canada and the USA – meaning there will be some late nights for those following on TV.
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Laura Woods will be presenting the World Cup for ITV Credit: PA
Gabby Logan will be a part of the BBC’s presenting team Credit: Getty
England fans who do not make the trip across the Atlantic Ocean will have the choice of either the BBC or ITV.
The two broadcasters have been the traditional home of the tournament since 1958.
The Three Lions will kick off their World Cup campaign at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, against Croatia.
Both the BBC and ITV have assembled star-studded line-ups with the hope of pulling in the viewers.
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It will be the first tournament since Gary Lineker’s exit from the BBC Credit: PA
Mark Chapman will be one of the faces featured on the BBC Credit: PA
ITV will be sending their team out to New York City for the start of the tournament.
However, the BBC will continue to present the World Cup from Media City in Salford until the latter stages.
But who has the best broadcasting line-up this summer? And will one of them outshine the other?
JattvibeSport has compared the two broadcasters’ teams.
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Semra Hunter has joined ITV for the tournament Credit: Getty
PRESENTERS
Both sides have an enviable array of presenters at the World Cup.
From former players to experts and fan favourites, both sides have things fully covered.
And viewers will be left tantalised in the build-up to matches each day.
ITV have their usual star Laura Woods and Mark Pougatch, but have added American presenter Semra Hunter to their ranks.
Alex Scott is on the BBC’s line-up Credit: Getty
Man vs Food star Adam Richman is an outside-the-box pick for ITV Credit: Rex Features
Man vs Food star Adam Richman has also been included and will co-present alongside Hunter.
The BBC will be without Gary Lineker with his last tournament being the Euros in 2024.
But there will be his Match of the Day replacements, Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.
Former Lionesses star Alex Scott will also be on presenting duty for the broadcaster.
PUNDITS
Wayne Rooney will be one of the BBC pundits Credit: Reuters
Ian Wright and Roy Keane will continue to represent ITV Credit: Getty
Fans tuning into the action will have plenty of former players to listen to for their insightful analysis.
The BBC has plenty of former England stars on their books for the World Cup.
This includes Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards.
Former Lionesses such as Ellen White and Steph Houghton will also be on the panels.
Olivier Giroud has signed up for the BBC’s coverage of the tournament Credit: Getty
Wright’s son Bradley, will also be in the ITV ranks Credit: Getty
The broadcaster will also have expertise from other nations, such as World Cup winner Olivier Giroud, Gael Clichy and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Former Blackburn Rovers and West Ham striker Benni McCarthy and Swansea City and Everton defender Ashley Williams will also be involved
ITV will have Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Gary Neville to give their views during the tournament.
They will be supported by Patrick Vieira and Juan Mata to give insights on France and Spain, respectively.
Juan Mata will be a Spain expert the BBC Credit: Getty
Karen Carney will appear alongside Woods on ITV Credit: PA
ITV also has some female representation among the pundits with Karen Carney and Emma Hayes, who manages the US Women’s National Team.
The broadcaster will also have input from Wright’s son and former MLS star Bradley Wright-Phillips as well as Duncan Ferguson and Jobi McAnuff.
MANAGERS
Both broadcasters will have analysis from managers during the World Cup.
ITV will have former Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou in their corner.
Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou will be on ITV Credit: Alamy
Postecoglou’s Spurs successor Thomas Frank will be with the BBC Credit: Getty
The Australian also coached at international level with his homeland at the 2014 World Cup.
While the BBC also have a sacked Spurs manager among its ranks with Postecoglou’s successor Thomas Frank signing on for the tournament.
COMMENTATORS
The BBC have a fleet of commentators ready to talk fans through the tournament.
The list includes Guy Mowbray, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower, Jonathan Pearce, Robyn Cowen, Steven Wyeth and Liam McLeod.
Iconic commentator Jonathan Pearce will be one of the voices of the BBC Credit: PA:Press Association
Sam Matterface will be lending his voice to ITV Credit: Getty
While ITV will have just four commentators on their books for the spectacle.
They will be in the shape of Sam Matterface, Jon Champion, Seb Hutchinson and Joe Speight.
CO-COMMENTARY
On co-commentary, ITV will continue with their regular line-up that features Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, Andros Townsend and Lucy Ward.
Meanwhile, the BBC will again have a much deeper line-up to assist the commentators.
Fan favourite Ally McCoist will be co-commentating for ITV Credit: Getty
The BBC have pulled in Alan Shearer to co-commentate Credit: Getty
This includes former England players such as Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy, Stephen Warnock, Martin Keown and Paul Robinson.
The BBC will also have Sue Smith, former Nigeria star Efan Ekoku as well as Scottish pair James McFadden and Rachel Corsie.
REFEREES
Both broadcasters will also have refereeing experts with them to assess every controversial decision.
The BBC will be joined by former international official Darren Cann.
ITV will bring Christina Unkel with them as a referee analyst for the tournament.
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