Ange Postecoglou joins ITV's World Cup studio as Spurs eye new era
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is set to feature as a pundit for ITV Sport during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joining a star-studded lineup that includes Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Gary Neville, and Patrick Vieira. The announcement, confirmed by broadcasters this week, adds the Australian tactician to ITV’s Brooklyn-based studio team for the tournament, which kicked off on June 11 and runs through July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Postecoglou’s inclusion marks a significant step for the 60-year-old, who has become a household name in English football since taking charge of Spurs in 2023. He is one of several high-profile managers and former players drafted in for the expanded 104-match tournament. The BBC’s punditry roster meanwhile features Olivier Giroud, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Juan Mata among its ranks.
The first weekend of the World Cup is already underway with Group B and D fixtures, including Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina and USMNT vs. Paraguay on Friday. Sunday’s schedule includes Germany vs. Curacao, Netherlands vs. Japan, and Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador, with Postecoglou likely to offer analysis on the latter matches from ITV’s New York satellite base.
Pedro Porro close to long-term Spurs deal amid managerial stability
While Postecoglou prepares for his punditry role, his former club Tottenham are busy securing their future. Spanish right-back Pedro Porro is on the verge of signing a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2031, with an option for a further year. The 26-year-old, who has made over 150 appearances for Spurs since joining from Sporting CP in 2023, would become one of the highest-paid players at the north London club if the deal is finalized.
Porro’s importance to Tottenham has been underlined by his creative output: he created 53 chances in the Premier League last season, more than any teammate, despite the team enduring a turbulent campaign under three different managers — Postecoglou, Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor, and finally Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian tactician, appointed in March, has helped stabilize the squad and overseen a late-season resurgence, with Porro’s performances notably improving.
Porro is currently with Spain’s World Cup squad and is expected to start their opener against Cape Verde on June 15. The defender’s new deal is part of a broader Spurs strategy to lock down key assets: Djed Spence, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies, and captain Cristian Romero have all signed extensions in the last 12 months. Romero, however, could still depart this summer, which would make Porro’s retention even more critical.
Rangers face managerial uncertainty as Rohl reportedly heads to Salzburg
Elsewhere in British football, Rangers are preparing for yet another managerial change. Danny Rohl, who took over at Ibrox last October following Russell Martin’s sacking, is in advanced talks to become the new head coach of RB Salzburg. The 37-year-old German’s departure would leave the Glasgow club searching for their third manager in under a year.
Rohl’s reign started strongly, hauling Rangers back into the Scottish Premiership title race, but a collapse in the final five games — losing four — saw them finish third, undermining his authority. If Rohl leaves, former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard could be in line for a sensational return. Gerrard, who led Rangers to the title in 2021 before struggling at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq, said in November that he was “very close” to returning when Martin was sacked. He cited reservations about working under the previous hierarchy, but with sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart now gone, the pathway may be clearer.
Gerrard has hinted that Ibrox suits his managerial style — a passionate, high-pressure environment — and he remains a fan favorite. However, other candidates such as Hearts’ Derek McInnes are also being linked. The club’s pre-season training is due to begin within days, adding urgency to the search.
Broader trends: World Cup punditry reflects globalization of football
Postecoglou’s inclusion in ITV’s lineup is emblematic of a broader trend: the increasing internationalization of football broadcasting. Broadcasters are no longer relying solely on former England internationals; they are tapping into managers and players from across the globe to cater to diverse audiences. ITV’s lineup now includes Irish, Scottish, Australian, French, and Spanish voices, while BBC’s roster features players from Scotland, France, Spain, South Africa, and the Netherlands.
The World Cup itself, co-hosted by three North American nations for the first time, underscores football’s global reach. The tournament’s expanded format — 48 teams playing 104 matches — has also forced broadcasters to rethink their strategies, with games spread across multiple time zones and requiring round-the-clock coverage.
For Tottenham fans, Postecoglou’s punditry gig offers a welcome distraction from a season of upheaval, while Porro’s contract news signals that the club is building for the long term under De Zerbi. Whether Gerrard returns to Glasgow or not, the managerial merry-go-round shows no signs of slowing down.
As the World Cup’s first weekend concludes, Postecoglou will be among the voices helping fans make sense of the tournament — while his former club quietly plans its next chapter.
Comments