There is usually a breakout star at major tournaments. Someone who grabs attention and rises to prominence. At Euro 2024 it was Christina Unkel, ITV’s refereeing expert. She is back for World Cup 2026, and has been great again. She is joined on ITV by the equally excellent Emma Hayes.
I confess I’d never heard of Christina Unkel before the tournament two years ago. I didn’t know who she was when she appeared in the Germany vs Scotland opener to explain why Ryan Porteous obviously had to be sent off. However, in the first two weeks, she become essential, explaining some tight decisions directly and clearly. I don’t always like the rules and rulings she’s explaining. I don’t want goals ruled out because someone’s big toe is offside. But her explanations are always worth listening to.
It is also clear that Christina Unkel is putting some of the boys in their place. The FIFA referee has plenty of experience to navigate this. As she told the Radio Times back in 2024.
Some of the best players in the world have been yelling at me on the field and they don’t even know the laws!”
The former ref is also a trained lawyer and once declared on TV that her husband’s decision to brandish a yellow was wrong and should have been a red! Interestingly, she also serves as President of Tampa Bay Sun FC, so clearly understands the game from a variety of different angles.
Emma Hayes and Christina Unkel Star on ITV
We’re also seeing a lot of Emma Hayes, who manages the US women’s team. Her analysis and punditry has been great, so far. This includes when she went to a chalk board in a “hydration break” during Spain vs Cape Verde, outlining some of the specifics of the latter’s press. That tactic helped the World Cup debutants get a draw against one of the tournament favourites.
Obviously, as soon as you point that either her or Christina Unkel are good on social media, you get… a certain type of man responding. They are just going to have to get used to seeing more top-quality female pundits. The likes of Christina Unkel and Emma Hayes are here to stay.
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