BBC faces World Cup 2026 backlash as highlights show axed and Gary Lineker absent | OneFootball

The BBC’s overhaul of its World Cup 2026 coverage has sparked a viewer backlash, with the nightly TV highlights show dropped, Gary Lineker absent and early programming anchored from Salford. Early signs suggest many are opting for ITV instead.

Unlike recent tournaments, there is no conventional daily highlights programme on the BBC’s main channels. Wales Online reports that audiences are left without a reliable late-night roundup on BBC One.

The BBC says scheduling pressures and North American kick-off times make a fixed television slot unsuitable. It says highlights from every match are available on iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app, with round-the-clock coverage across more platforms.

For the first time in decades, the tournament is being presented without Gary Lineker. He left the corporation last year after public disputes over social media and impartiality, and his stint ended earlier than expected following accusations of antisemitism and his effective removal.

In his absence, Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman rotate hosting duties, mirroring Match of the Day. For many long-time viewers, it marks the end of an era.

The BBC has also declined to build an on-site studio, instead using virtual sets from its Salford base during the opening stages. Critics argue the green-screen backdrops lack the atmosphere and authenticity of a major event.

ITV, by contrast, is broadcasting from a large Brooklyn studio with the New York skyline behind. Detractors suggest it better reflects the scale of the tournament, while the BBC operation can feel remote and clinical.

Source: Leeds Live