Gary Lineker delivers opening segment of ITV's World Cup coverage and it's going viral

Gary Lineker marked his special guest appearance on ITV's coverage of Germany vs Ivory Coast with a memorable opening segment from the broadcaster's studio in Brooklyn, New York.

The 65-year-old had been expected to front coverage of this summer's World Cup on the BBC, but after presenting his final episode of Match of the Day on May 26, he confirmed his departure from the company.

It came after the former Barcelona, Spurs and Leicester City striker was criticised for sharing a social media post about Zionism that included an illustration of a rat, historically used as an antisemitic insult.

Lineker, meanwhile, said he did not see the image, and "would never consciously repost anything antisemitic", adding: "However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."

The former England striker has since enjoyed considerable success with his Rest is Football podcast, which has been airing daily on Netflix after a £14 million deal was agreed with his Goalhanger production company.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to speak to Gary Lineker after one comment upset him

This summer, Lineker has been joined by regulars Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, as well as other guests such as Harry Maguire and Frank Lampard.

But on Saturday evening, he appeared as a special guest on ITV’s World Cup coverage of Germany vs Ivory Coast in what was his first appearance on terrestrial television since leaving the BBC.

To mark the occasion, Lineker began the show by delivering a trademark opening segment, despite Laura Woods' role as lead presenter.

You can take the man out of the presenting chair but you can't take the presenter out of @GaryLineker 😅 pic.twitter.com/ubMAOiGisN

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 20, 2026

Lineker said: "Thank you very much for joining us on ITV for this one. Another day, another game, another channel."

Moments later, Woods stepped in. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Gary, that's my job," she laughed, before Lineker replied: "Oh, sorry, sorry. Old habits, Laura, old habits."

Woods then said: "As you'll notice Gary Lineker is our very special guest, England's joint top goalscorer with Harry Kane. Gary, great to have you all jokes aside, welcome to the New York and welcome to ITV family, you have a new show which we'll be talking about in a minute."

Fans react to Gary Lineker's one-off appearance on ITV

After so many years as one of the BBC's most recognisable faces, Lineker's cameo on ITV prompted some entertaining responses from fans on social media.

One wrote: "Gary Lineker on ITV? It's like watching a former Eastenders actor turning up on Coronation Street or Emmerdale."

A second commented: "This is like seeing Gary Neville play for Liverpool and Jamie Carragher play for Manchester United," and another said: "Lineker simply being there for the gimmick is hilarious, we need Dion Dublin to invade MNF next."

A fourth wrote: "Weird seeing Gary Lineker as a pundit," and a fifth added: "Gary Lineker appearing as a pundit on ITV is the biggest heel turn since Hogan went to the N.W.O."

Thoughts on Lineker's one-off cameo on ITV? Let us know in the comments.