Gary Lineker Makes Surprise ITV Cameo During World Cup 2026

Gary Lineker returned to free-to-air television on Saturday night as a pundit for ITV’s World Cup coverage of the Group E match between Germany and Côte d’Ivoire. The former BBC presenter, who hosted Match of the Day for 26 years before departing last May, joined the broadcast in a New York-based studio.

How did Gary Lineker’s ITV appearance begin?

Lineker opened the broadcast with a brief cameo as a presenter, telling viewers, “Thank you very much for joining us on ITV for this one. Another day, another game, another channel.”

Presenter Laura Woods interrupted the moment, stating, “Gary, that’s my job!” Lineker responded by attributing the mistake to “old habits.”

Did You Know? Gary Lineker won the Golden Boot during the 1986 World Cup and was involved in the “Hand of God” match against Argentina.

What did Lineker say about Harry Kane’s scoring record?

Lineker discussed Harry Kane drawing level with his record of 10 World Cup goals for England following Kane’s double against Croatia on Wednesday. Lineker admitted he “did kick the door down” upon hearing the news, though he noted he was genuinely pleased for the captain.

The 65-year-old former forward described Kane as a “way better all-round No 9” than himself. Lineker stated that while he was primarily a “penalty box player,” Kane’s passing range and ability to drop back make him “our best ever No 9.”

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Lineker’s transition from a 26-year tenure at the BBC to roles with ITV and Netflix represents a significant shift in sports broadcasting loyalty. The contrast between the BBC’s Salford base and ITV’s high-profile New York set highlights a different strategic approach to visual presentation and location-based reporting.

How does the ITV set compare to other broadcasts?

Lineker commented on the ITV studio backdrop in New York, which is situated across the East River and Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan. He confirmed the set was “real” and described it as “absolutely amazing.”

World Cup 2002: Gary Lineker v USA

This comment followed questions regarding the BBC’s decision to base its World Cup operations in Salford. Lineker also mentioned his current work on a daily show for Netflix filmed in Times Square.

What may happen next for Lineker’s broadcasting role?

Given his recent move to ITV and ongoing work with Netflix, Lineker may continue to diversify his media presence across different platforms. He could potentially appear in further punditry roles as the World Cup progresses.

His interactions with Laura Woods suggest a light-hearted dynamic that ITV may continue to utilize during their remaining coverage of the tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Gary Lineker on ITV?
Lineker was revealed on Friday as a pundit for ITV’s World Cup coverage for the Germany versus Côte d’Ivoire match.

What is Gary Lineker’s opinion of Harry Kane?
Lineker believes Kane is a better all-round No 9 than he was and considers him England’s best ever No 9.

Where was the ITV World Cup studio located?
The studio was located in New York, featuring a backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River, and Manhattan.

Do you believe Harry Kane is the best No 9 in England’s history?