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Kenny Dalglish's daughter leads World Cup coverage
8 Jun
Summary
- Sports presenter Kelly Cates to lead BBC's 2026 World Cup coverage.
- Grew up as Kenny Dalglish's daughter, impacting family life.
- Started career at Sky Sports News in 1998.

Kelly Cates, a distinguished sports presenter and host of Match of the Day, is set to lead the BBC's comprehensive coverage of the men's 2026 World Cup. Cates, born in Glasgow in 1975, is the daughter of football icon Kenny Dalglish. Her father's career with Celtic and later Liverpool significantly influenced her upbringing.
Initially, Cates pursued mathematics at Glasgow before embarking on a broadcasting career. She became one of the inaugural presenters for Sky Sports News in 1998. Over the years, she has established herself as a respected figure in sports media.
Cates will share personal anecdotes, including memories of major football events like Liverpool's 2005 Champions League win. She also noted an intriguing connection between her family and the band Simple Minds. The upcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will feature both England and Scotland.
Listeners can hear Cates's selections on "Tracks Of My Years" on BBC Sounds. Vernon Kay's conversations are available on BBC iPlayer.