Historic error in TRT's World Cup broadcast: Everything was described incorrectly for 5 minutes

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G match between Iran and New Zealand made headlines not only for the action on the pitch but also for a broadcast error on TRT screens. Millions of viewers following the match on TRT 1 witnessed a notable confusion in the commentary during the opening minutes of the game.

THE TWO TEAMS WERE CONFUSED FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES

During the live broadcast, it was observed that TRT announcer Murat Ekrem Çimen confused Iran and New Zealand.

In the first part of the broadcast, attacks developed by Iran were described as New Zealand attacks, while positions created by New Zealand were described to the viewers as Iranian attacks.

The confusion, which was stated to have lasted for approximately 5 minutes, did not escape the attention of football fans watching at home.

VIEWERS NOTICED THE ERROR QUICKLY

Football fans following the match brought the inconsistency in the commentary to the agenda on social media.

The confusion, which occurred especially in the first minutes of the match, caused bewilderment among viewers, and the fact that the teams' jerseys and the flow of the game on the field did not match the commentary led to numerous comments.

CONFUSION ENDED WHEN TAREMI APPEARED ON SCREEN

The error during the broadcast ended when Iranian national team star Mehdi Taremi appeared on the screen.

While it was seen that the commentary returned to normal in the later minutes of the match, viewers pointed out that the two teams had been described in reverse for a long time.

THE MATCH ENDED IN A 2-2 DRAW

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G match played in Los Angeles, Iran and New Zealand left the pitch with a 2-2 draw.

However, after the match, the commentary error in the TRT broadcast was among the most discussed topics by the sports public, as much as the score itself.

Following these developments, TRT issued a written statement.

In the statement made by the institution, it was stated that the error made in the commentary of the Iran-New Zealand match was unacceptable in terms of TRT's broadcasting standards, and an apology was offered to the viewers.

STATEMENT FROM TRT

TRT announced that it has terminated the duties of announcer Murat Ekrem Çimen, who confused the teams for 5 minutes during the Iran-New Zealand match at the World Cup. TRT's statement is as follows:

"The error made in the commentary of the Iran-New Zealand match, which was played this morning at 04.00 Turkish time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is unacceptable in terms of TRT broadcasting standards.

We apologize to our viewers and the public for this error.

The necessary administrative and inspection processes have been immediately initiated regarding this error, which does not align with TRT Spor's years of broadcasting accumulation, experience, and quality understanding. At the end of the process, the necessary actions will be implemented in full.

The relevant announcer has been withdrawn from the World Cup broadcast team in the USA as part of the review process and will not continue to broadcast the tournament.

It is an unacceptable situation for TRT that a name with over 30 years of experience in sports broadcasting makes such an error.

TRT does not excuse any practice that violates broadcasting standards in national and international organizations that reach millions of viewers.

Respectfully announced to the public."

News Source: 12punto