RTÉ look like being able to satisfy even gargantuan soccer appetites this summer when they screen 56 of the 64 World Cup matches live, the maximum possible because of simultaneous games. Highlights of the eight remaining matches will also be shown immediately afterwards.

All the coverage will be on Network Two, which will have a preview of the tournament on Thursday, May 30th, and coverage of the opening ceremony and the first match, between holders France and Senegal, the following day.

Thereafter, World Cup Live will run from 7.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. each day for the entire group stage of the competition, featuring news, sports news, weather reports and analysis. A similar programme will also run through the second stage.

Panellists include regulars John Giles and Eamon Dunphy as well as Liam Brady, Ray Houghton, Tony Cascarino and Denis Irwin. Brian Kerr and former Northern Ireland striker Gerry Armstrong will also contribute, as will the masterly mimics of Après Match.

The programme anchor duties will be shared between Bill O'Herlihy and Peter Collins.

In the evening there will be two separate highlights programmes. Today at the World Cup will be a full-length programme featuring extensive highlights and analysis, including a full daily report from the Irish camp. Game of the Day will feature extended highlights from one match, and brief highlights of the other matches taking place each day.

In total RTÉ will broadcast around 200 hours of television for the tournament, with commentary coming from George Hamilton, Darragh Maloney, Stephen Alkin and Jimmy Magee.