KELLY CATES DISCUSSES BBC WORLD CUP PRESENTING ROLE

Kelly Cates, who presents World Cup coverage for BBC television and Radio 5 Live, has spoken about her preparations for the 2026 tournament as it approaches. Cates is heading into her fifth World Cup as a presenter for the corporation. The tournament begins in Mexico City on Thursday, with 13 matches each scheduled in Mexico and Canada alongside the majority of games taking place in the United States. Cates acknowledged concerns about humidity and altitude conditions for players, as well as wider political questions surrounding the event.

Cates previously covered the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar. She addressed the subject of sportswashing, stating that she does not believe the concept translates effectively to a World Cup setting because audiences focus on the football rather than the host nation. She drew a distinction between expanding the tournament into new footballing territories and staging it in locations where it could be used for political promotion or personal gain. Fifa president Gianni Infantino has faced criticism over rising ticket and travel costs associated with the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup unfolds against a backdrop of widespread antipathy in Mexico, Canada and Europe towards the United States, as well as the ongoing US conflict with Iran. Cates noted that the start times in the UK will place presenters in an unusual time zone, with some broadcasts running until 2am in Salford. She indicated that once matches begin, the football itself functions as the primary focus for viewers. BBC coverage begins with the tournament's opening fixture in Mexico City on Thursday.