Gary Lineker to make unthinkable British TV return for World Cup 13 months after BBC exit

Gary Lineker is making an unthinkable return to British television for the World Cup just over a year after his controversial departure from the BBC.

Lineker was the BBC's main presenter for coverage of the tournament and was slated to do so for this edition in North America.

However, the Match of the Day legend's 26-year stint with the broadcaster came to an end after a mutual agreement was reached for him to leave prematurely in May 2025. following backlash for a social media that was called antisemitic.

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

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In a swanky New York City studio, Lineker has been joined by regulars Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, as well as other guests such as Harry Maguire, Niall Horan and Frank Lampard.

But in a shock twist, The Athletic are reporting that Lineker is set to appear for rivals ITV as part of their World Cup coverage.

With the BBC based in Media City in Salford, ITV spent big on an incredible New York location with the Manhattan skyline in the background.

Their star-studded pundit team includes Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane, who are all part of the Stick to Football podcast which goes up against Lineker's equivalent.

However, given he is local to where their Brooklyn base is, Lineker is expected to be a guest for coverage of the Germany and Ivory Coast fixture.

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The match takes place at the BMO Field in Toronto on Saturday, with Lineker set for a surprise role of which details have not been released.

While he has an extensive association with the BBC and was their highest-paid contributor, Lineker has worked for ITV previously.

He presented the 'Sitting on a Fortune' quiz show for a period in 2021. In 2025, following his BBC exit, there were reports that he had signed with ITV to host additional shows.

Lineker, who has Harry Kane chasing his record England World Cup goals tally, has also worked for NBC Sports, beIN Sports, TNT Sports and La Liga TV.

Last season, Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan shared Match of the Day hosting duties following Lineker moving on.

The ex Spurs and Barcelona player courted controversy when he reposted a video about Zionism from an account called 'Palestine Lobby' that contained a cartoon illustration of a rat - a term used in Nazi Germany as a slur against Jewish people.

He apologised "unreservedly” for the post, which he said was not intentional, but decided to take a step back.

Lineker said: "As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic — it goes against everything I stand for.

"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.”

Others to have worked for both the BBC and ITV in a sporting capacity include Wright, Lee Dixon, Micah Richards and Karen Carney.