Keane and Vieira reunite in ITV studio as Belgium face Iran at World Cup 2026

Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira — two of football’s most combustible rivals — are set to share an ITV studio once more as Belgium take on Iran in Group G of the 2026 World Cup at Los Angeles on Sunday evening, with kick-off at 8pm BST.

Mark Pougatch hosts the coverage, which begins an hour before kick-off, with Emma Hayes completing the punditry panel. Hayes, best known for her long tenure at Chelsea Women, now manages the United States women’s national team and has become a regular fixture in international tournament coverage.

Keane and Vieira’s presence together will inevitably draw attention given their history as fierce on-pitch adversaries during the Premier League era. The pair were famously involved in a heated tunnel confrontation in 2005, though both have since moved past the incident — so the studio atmosphere is expected to remain professional, if characteristically candid.

In the commentary box, Joe Speight takes the lead role. Speight has been part of ITV’s World Cup team and has also worked with NBC on coverage of the United States men’s national team. He is joined by co-commentator Lucy Ward, a former Leeds United player with an extensive broadcasting background spanning BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and beyond.

Both Belgium and Iran arrive at this fixture without a win, having drawn their opening Group G games against Egypt and New Zealand respectively. A victory for either side would significantly boost their chances of progressing from the group stage.