The BBC has pulled back the curtain on its brand-new studio in Salford, the facility from which it will broadcast the majority of its FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage this summer — a decision that has drawn scrutiny from several quarters.

While rival broadcaster ITV has stationed its presenters in New York, operating from a purpose-built studio in Brooklyn, the BBC has opted to remain on home soil for at least the group stages of the tournament, citing environmental concerns as the primary motivation.

Defending the Salford base

The decision has not been without its critics. Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker took a swipe at the setup, dismissing it as