Gary Lineker Joins ITV for World Cup Coverage After BBC Departure

Gary Lineker joined ITV's coverage of the 2026 World Cup, offering insights and humor while contrasting ITV's New York studio with the BBC's Salford setup.

gary lineker, the iconic former BBC presenter, made a surprising return to terrestrial football coverage when he appeared as a guest pundit on ITV‘s broadcast of the 2026 World Cup match between Germany and the Ivory Coast on June 20, 2026.

This marked his first appearance on live football coverage since his departure from the BBC, a move that has sparked considerable interest among sports fans.

Lineker, known for his long tenure as the host of Match of the Daybrought his signature wit and insight to the ITV panel, which included Duncan FergusonGary Nevilleand Ian Wright.

His presence added a fresh dynamic to the coverage, as he humorously navigated the transition from his former role to his new ventures.

Lineker’s Humorous and Insightful Comments

During his appearance, Lineker opened the show with a playful nod to his past, saying, ‘Thank you very much for joining us on ITV for this one – another day, another game, another channel.’ He quickly apologized for slipping into his old habits, much to the amusement of the audience.

Lineker then praised ITV’s studio setup in Times Squarecontrasting it with the BBC’s remote broadcast from Salford’s MediaCity.

‘I’ve been doing a show daily for Netflixwe’re at Times Square‘ Lineker remarked. ‘But I desperately wanted to come and see your set because I think it’s absolutely amazing and I can confirm that it is real.‘ His comments highlighted the stark differences in the broadcasting approaches of the two networks, with ITV opting for a more immersive, on-location experience.

Criticism of FIFA and Praise for ITV

Lineker did not shy away from addressing controversial topics, particularly FIFA‘s ticket prices. He criticized the organization for making it difficult for fans to attend matches, stating, ‘I don’t understand what FIFA are doing and why they are making it so difficult.‘ He emphasized the financial burden placed on fans, who often have to take out loans or sell personal assets to afford tickets.

Despite his criticism, Lineker acknowledged the success of the tournament, noting that the stadiums were full. However, he questioned the necessity of such high prices, especially for an organization that claims to be not-for-profit. His comments resonated with many viewers who have expressed similar frustrations.

Lineker’s appearance on ITV was met with praise from both the audience and his fellow panelists. Host Laura Woods commended his performance, saying, ‘May I say what a fabulous job you do – you are very good at this.‘ Lineker, in turn, joked about his chances of returning to regular punditry, quipping, ‘If you passed it, you would get my job, so you’ve failed.‘

Lineker’s Post-BBC Ventures

Since leaving the BBC in May 2026, Lineker has embarked on several new projects, including hosting The Rest Is Football podcast for Netflix. The podcast, produced by his company Goalhanger Podcastshas been a significant success, with episodes going out daily during the World Cup. The deal with Netflix is reportedly worth £14 million, underscoring Lineker’s continued influence in the sports broadcasting world.

Lineker’s departure from the BBC followed a controversial incident involving a social media post that featured an image associated with antisemitism. Although he apologized for the post, the fallout led to his decision to leave the corporation at the end of the 2026-25 season. Despite this, Lineker has remained financially secure, with his net worth estimated to be around £30 million.

In addition to his podcast, Lineker is set to front the upcoming celebrity gameshow The Box on ITV in September. His foray into new ventures highlights his adaptability and continued relevance in the entertainment industry.

Lineker’s surprise appearance on ITV’s World Cup coverage has reignited discussions about his future in sports broadcasting. While he has not indicated any plans to return to regular punditry, his presence on the ITV panel was a reminder of his enduring charm and expertise. As the tournament progresses, fans will be eager to see if Lineker makes any further appearances, adding another layer of excitement to the 2026 World Cup.