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Who is Christina Unkel? World Cup 2026 ITV rules analyst career explained
The American is part of ITV's coverage this summer after becoming a fan favourite at Euro 2024.
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
- Ned Holmes
Published: Wednesday, 17 June 2026 at 5:17 pm
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Stars are made at international tournaments – both on the pitch and behind the camera.
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ITV rules analyst Christina Unkel became a fast fan favourite at Euro 2024 and returns as part of the broadcaster's coverage for World Cup 2026.
The American will offer her expertise throughout the tournament to break down refereeing decisions and any controversial calls, a role she's excited to be reprising.
Read more World Cup 2026: Watch on TV | Matches on today | Fixtures & results | Radio coverage | Stadium guide | BBC presenters | ITV presenters | Highlights
"There's something very, very special about ITV," She told Radio Times ahead of World Cup 2026. "From the production team to the talent to the support staff – and I'm very excited to join up with them again for this tournament."
"To me, it was a bit of a surprise that there was such an outpouring of support and appreciation just for the skill and ability to deliver the information to viewers," she added, regarding her popularity during Euro 2024.
"Any of the detracting factors went away very, very quickly. None of us want to be judged on anything but our ability and talent."
Unkel is a former referee and the president of a US Super League club – but who is she?
Radio Times brings you all the details on ITV's World Cup 2026 rules analyst Christina Unkel.
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Who is Christina Unkel?
Unkel is a former American football (soccer) referee, licensed by FIFA, with experience officiating in big games across the globe.
Unkel is also a legal expert, working as a litigation expert and managing partner at her own law firm in the States, and she believes her legal background has helped her in her role at ITV.
"We're trained to talk and teach, to tell the judge, the court and the jury what you're looking for first," she explained.
"I've found that's been really helpful in allowing me to break down complicated situations and provide some clarity, whether or not the audience agrees with the result, I can at least narrow down the issue, crystallise it and deliver the information."
She is also the president of Tampa Bay Suns FC, a professional women's team in Florida, who were the inaugural winners of the USL Super League.
In terms of broadcasting, Unkel has been a mainstay on CBS soccer broadcasts in the US, covering Champions League football, while she has also covered major international football tournaments for Fox Sports.
Unkel has a wealth of entrepreneurial experience, with various business interests revolving around sport, fitness and beyond.
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Authors
Ned Holmes
Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.
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