BBC forced to apologise for ’embarrassing’ World Cup 2026 blunder

The BBC issued an apology after a glaring error in its coverage of France vs Senegal at the 2026 World Cup, with fans fuming after images of Saliba, Upamecano, Kounde and Konate were mixed up on screen

The BBC has issued an apology after landing in hot water over a glaring error during its coverage of France vs Senegal at the World Cup. Qatar runners-up France kicked off their 2026 campaign with victory against Africa Cup of Nations finalists Senegal, with Kylian Mbappe netting twice.

Les Bleus have been placed in what many are dubbing this year’s ‘Group of Death’, alongside Norway and Iraq in Group I. The triumph virtually secures their advancement to the knockout rounds as one of the top third-place teams.

Nevertheless, Didier Deschamps’ side will be wholly concentrated on claiming top spot and earning a favourable draw in the bracket.

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Yet before kick-off had even commenced, World Cup audiences flocked to social media in their thousands to highlight an error in the BBC’s pre-match programming.

In the graphic showing the starting eleven, Arsenal centre-back William Saliba was mistakenly displayed with a photograph of Dayot Upamecano. Making matters worse, Ibrahima Konate’s image was utilised instead of Jules Kounde in the identical line-up graphic, reports the Mirror.

Social media users were swift to attack, with @CJoneses100 posting: “Really @BBCMOTD? It’s embarrassing for the flagship corporation.”

@DJB_I_MCMLXXXV contributed: “Oh BBC what are you doing here? Konate isn’t Kounde and Saliba isn’t a twin of Upamecano.”

@888NeogeneAngel remarked: “Upamecano for Saliba and Konate for Kounde? ? What is wrong with the BBC? ?” @JamesDoody75 posted: “The BBC have put up two photos of Upamecano in showing the French defence. Where’s Saliba’s photo? Embarrassing.”

Addressing the blunder, the BBC issued a statement, saying: “We apologise for this mistake.”