ITV’s World Cup commentary team, including Laura Woods, fell foul of the inclement New York weather (Image: ITV)
ITV viewers tuning into the Switzerland v Bosnia-Herzegovina Group B World Cup 2026 match found themselves distracted by the broadcasters choice of studio. Unlike the BBC, who have chosen to cover the tournament from its studios in Salford, Manchester, ITV are on location in a glitzy outdoor World Cup studio in Brooklyn, with views of the Manhattan skyline. However it was blown asunder by winds during the match leading to viewers calling it “unwatchable”.
Presenters, including Laura Woods, hair and clothing was being visibly tossed and the sound was very obviously affected while banging and clattering caused by the inclement weather could be heard in the background leading to a very distracting viewing experience. Viewers took to X to rage about the situation. “It’s quite funny that after a week of people raving about ITV having a nice World Cup coverage view, it’s now so windy that it’s become borderline unwatchable,” one fumed.
“Hey @ITV, move the world cup team indoors … All I can hear is the banging and clattering of the studio fitting,” another added.
A third chimed in: “Move yourselves indoors, ITV. Laughable watching this World Cup coverage in the howling wind.”
A fourth quipped: “The ITV studio covering the World Cup nearly takes off with strong winds live on air!” A fifth observed sarcastically: “ITV have picked a great spot for their World Cup 2026 studio.”
Meanwhile a sixth shared: “ITV World Cup studio sounds like it’s about to collapse in high winds. Wouldn’t get that problem indoors at Salford.”
ITV’s latest coverage of the 2026 World Cup was marred by incelement weather (Image: ITV)
Ahead of the opening ceremony on Thursday June 11 ITV had discussed their coverage saying: “This is the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, and we will be live from New York City for the duration of the tournament, bringing every key moment to life, free-to-air.
“Nothing unifies the UK audience more than a global sporting event, and they don’t come much bigger than this.
“Our broadcast line-up is second to none, and our comprehensive coverage across ITV, ITVX, our World Cup 24/7 Channel, plus our digital platforms will ensure the ITV audience doesn’t miss a second of action.”
This year marks 60 years since BBC and ITV first jointly hosted the television coverage of the tournament.
