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ITV Commentator Sam Matterface Faces Backlash After Cairo To Giza Gaffe On ITV

2026 FIFA World Cup, Egypt, ITV

Would you believe it, Sam Matterface is at it again.

The polarizing commentator is leading ITV’s operations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and as usual has found himself in deep waters for a comment he made about Egypt on Sunday.

The 48-year-old has built up a library of cringeworthy moments in a sports broadcasting career that began before the turn of the century.

The Englishman courted heavy criticism when he took over from Clive Tyldesley in 2020, with the latter publicly expressing annoyance over the decision.

Ever since, Matterface has only gone on to prove Tyldesley right.

Be it by comparing Harry Kane to Chris Waddle in Qatar 2022 or by frequently pronouncing player names awkwardly. Matterface has consistently shown a knack for clunky humour and absurd analogies that have left fans puzzled at best and seething at worst.

Nevertheless, one would have hoped at least Matterface’s geography knowledge would be up to par considering he is the lead commentator for a 48-team World Cup.

But the veteran proved on live TV it was not the case on Sunday.

The moment occurred during Egypt’s 3-1 Group G win against New Zealand in Vancouver.

On some other day, Matterface’s nonsensical comment would have slipped under the radar. Unfortunately for him, the veteran was commentating on one of the most famous players in the game, Mohamed Salah.

He only made matters worse by using a leading global tourist destination as the subject for his gaffe.

Matterface’s embarrassing blunder

Finn Surman handed the Kiwis an early lead before Mostafa Ziko equalized for Egypt in the second half. In the 67th minute, the winger then set-up Salah with a crafty backheel and the country’s all-time leading goal scorer duly finished off the chance from a little further than 12 yards.

While Egyptian supporters erupted in jubilation, Matterface marked the moment by saying fans back home “will be celebrating from Cairo to Giza.”

The Englishman was seemingly trying to showcase the expanse of celebrations in Egypt.

It was his variation of the ubiquitous phrase ‘coast to coast’ or ‘north to south’, akin to a ‘Newcastle to London’ in an English context.

The only problem is, Matterface glazed over one tiny detail.

The internet quickly pointed out that the two landmark cities were separated by a little over five kilometers.

While Cairo is renowned as the country’s capital, Giza famously features the Ancient Pyramids.

That translates to just a 11-minute drive, or less than an hour-and-half hike for the more ambitious. In fact, at times the two are even referred to in conjunction as the Greater Cairo Metropolis.

“The Pyramid of Giza is literally in Cairo”, an X user wrote pointing out the same.

Another user suggested Matterface would have been better off stating “Cairo to Aswan” to better convey his emotions.

While the former is close to the north Mediterranean Sea coast of Egypt, Aswan is one of the southernmost major cities in the middle-eastern country.

“What about the rest of Egypt?” a YouTube comment justifiably demanded.

“They’ll be cheering from Cairo to Giza says Sam Matterface, seemingly not realising that the two places are right next to each other. It’d be like saying they’ll be cheering from London to Watford if England scored”, a user on X tried to put it in context for Matterface.

Egypt’s road ahead

Fortunately for Egypt’s players, they were busy plying their trade on the field to have come across Matterface’s preposterous comments. Perhaps now would be a good time for their native population that does not speak English to be thankful for the same.

Either way, the win against New Zealand means Egypt are well placed for progression to the Round of 32. They are currently top of the group with four points.

As long as they manage to avoid defeat against Iran in Seattle on June 27, the knockout stages beckon. In fact, even a narrow loss might see Egypt through as one of the eight best-placed third teams across the 12 groups.

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