BBC apologises for graphics blunder and stands by Giroud despite World Cup pundit backlash

The BBC has apologised for a graphics error during its coverage of France’s win over Senegal at the 2026 World Cup, after the wrong images were used for two players in France’s starting XI. Jules Koundé’s name was paired with a photo of Ibrahima Konaté, while Dayot Upamecano’s image appeared twice — once correctly and once in place of William Saliba. A BBC spokesperson said: “We apologise for this mistake.”

The blunder drew immediate criticism on social media, with some users describing it as “embarrassing”. It compounded an already difficult start to the tournament for BBC Sport, which has faced criticism for anchoring most of its coverage from its Salford base rather than broadcasting from North America. ITV, by contrast, set up a studio in Brooklyn with views of the Manhattan skyline.

Separately, BBC pundit Olivier Giroud has come under fire from viewers, with some calling for the former Arsenal, Chelsea and France striker to be dropped. Social media users have labelled his contributions “disastrous” and “absolutely abysmal”, with some accusing him of sending viewers to sleep.

Despite the pressure, the BBC is expected to keep Giroud in its pundit lineup. The corporation’s handling of Phil Neville during the 2014 World Cup offers a clear precedent: Neville faced widespread criticism for his co-commentary during England’s opening match against Italy, yet was retained for the following Premier League season on Match of the Day. Mark Cole, the BBC’s head of football at the time, publicly backed Neville, telling The Independent: “He had a bad night at the office. He was really hurting that night when I spoke to him but he dusted himself down the next morning.”

Neville’s punditry career did not significantly progress after that backing, but the episode illustrates the BBC’s tendency to stand by its talent through periods of public criticism.

ITV has not avoided controversy either. Emma Hayes, the decorated women’s football manager, has been positioned in a separate area of the studio during hydration breaks to deliver tactical analysis using a chalkboard. Critics have argued the setup gives the impression she is broadcasting from a kitchen, sparking a sexism debate around the broadcaster’s treatment of one of the sport’s most respected figures.