Olivier Giroud will be returning to the World Cup, but this time behind a microphone. The former French international will be part of the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup, held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
A French world champion in the British squad
2018 World Cup winner Olivier Giroud will be a pundit for the BBC during the 2026 World Cup. The British public broadcaster has unveiled part of its team for the competition, boasting a particularly prestigious lineup. The former French striker will join Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, Joe Hart, Ellen White, César Azpilicueta, and Benni McCarthy, among others. This panel of well-known figures in international football will be tasked with guiding British viewers throughout the tournament.
A profile very familiar to the English public
At 39, Olivier Giroud knows English football inside and out. Having played for Arsenal and then Chelsea, with whom he won the Champions League in 2021, the Frenchman maintains a very strong reputation in England. His Premier League experience, his European career, and his status as the all-time leading scorer for the French national team should lend weight to his analysis. Giroud will also bring his experience of major tournaments, having played in several key competitions with Les Bleus.
A new step in his media reinvention
This role as a pundit could mark a significant step in Olivier Giroud's post-playing career. Even though he hasn't officially retired, this experience with the BBC confirms his growing interest in the media. His personality, international experience, and knowledge of top-level football make him an attractive prospect for a major broadcaster like the BBC, which values pundits capable of discussing tactics, dressing room dynamics, and the pressure of big matches.
The BBC is pulling out all the stops for the World Cup
For the 2026 World Cup, the BBC will share broadcasting rights in the UK with ITV. Both channels are preparing ambitious coverage for this unprecedented tournament, the first to feature 48 teams.
The final, scheduled for July 19, will be broadcast by both groups. In this ratings battle, the quality of the commentators will be a central element of the editorial strategy.
