To cut costs at event being hosted across US, Canada and Mexico, smaller games may be covered from Salford base
The BBC has repeatedly faced denunciations over the hordes of staff it takes to major events, from the Glastonbury festival to the Olympics. However, the broadcaster is now facing criticism over a plan to cover some games at next summer’s World Cup remotely to keep down costs.
The 2026 tournament will be the biggest ever, hosted across three countries, different timezones and including an expanded 48-team lineup. To keep a handle on costs, the BBC is considering asking TV commentators and pundits to cover some lower-demand games from its base in Salford, Greater Manchester.
The unprecedented plans mark the latest BBC attempt to adapt to the falling value of licence fee income, which has declined by about a third since 2010. The costs associated with having commentary teams in a stadium, even without accommodation and flight expenses, are understood to be significant.
However, it is expected that the broadcaster will have commentators and pundits in the US throughout the tournament for major games, including all of those played by the home nations.
