Gary Lineker to Join ITV for World Cup Coverage After Leaving BBC
Former England striker Gary Lineker is set to appear as a guest on ITV’s World Cup coverage, marking a high-profile move to the direct rival of his long-term employer, the BBC. Lineker is expected to contribute to the broadcast of Saturday’s Group E match between Germany and Ivory Coast, with ITV’s studio operations based in Brooklyn, New York.
A Career Shift Following BBC Departure
Lineker’s appearance on ITV follows his departure from the BBC in May 2025, ending a 26-year tenure as the face of Match of the Day. The BBC confirmed his exit last year, a decision that followed public criticism surrounding a social media post Lineker shared from the group Palestine Lobby. Lineker subsequently issued an apology, stating he would “never consciously repost anything antisemitic” and acknowledging the upset caused by the post, which included a rat emoji.
Since leaving the corporation, Lineker has remained active in sports media. He currently hosts The Rest is Football podcast from New York City alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, supported by a £14 million deal between his production company, Goalhanger, and Netflix.
Gary Lineker holds the record for the most goals scored by an English player at the World Cup, having netted 10 times across his tournament appearances.
Context of Rivalry and Industry Precedent
The move to ITV places Lineker in a familiar, albeit shifted, competitive landscape. When asked earlier this month about the rivalry between his podcast and the competing Stick to Football show, Lineker drew a parallel to the historic competition between the BBC and ITV. He noted that while he previously focused on securing the largest viewing figures, he now views the competition as less about winning head-to-head battles and more about the quality of the individual broadcast.
Lineker is not the first high-profile figure to bridge the gap between these two broadcasters. Pundit Ian Wright, a regular on Match of the Day, is working for ITV this summer, while Micah Richards and Karen Carney have also maintained roles across both networks. Additionally, Lee Dixon transitioned from a punditry role at the BBC to a commentary position at ITV.
Samantha Carter notes that Lineker’s transition to ITV reflects a broader shift in sports broadcasting, where talent is increasingly fluid across rival networks. While historical loyalty to a single broadcaster was once the industry standard, the rise of independent production deals and digital platforms like Netflix has changed the stakes. Lineker’s move suggests that top-tier talent is now prioritizing project-based appearances over long-term exclusive contracts.
What May Happen Next
Following this guest appearance, industry observers may look for signs of a permanent shift in how ITV utilizes veteran talent. If the collaboration proves successful, it is possible that ITV could seek to increase Lineker’s involvement in future tournament coverage. Conversely, the move could signal a broader trend where prominent presenters treat major broadcasts as flexible, project-based assignments rather than exclusive institutional roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the first time a presenter has worked for both the BBC and ITV?
No. Several figures have worked for both, including Ian Wright, Micah Richards, Karen Carney, and Lee Dixon.
Why did Gary Lineker leave the BBC?
The BBC confirmed his departure in 2024 following controversy over a social media post he shared that included a rat emoji, which was widely criticized as an antisemitic insult.
Where is the Germany vs. Ivory Coast match taking place?
The match is scheduled to be held at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.
Do you believe that the shift toward fluid, multi-network talent roles improves the quality of sports broadcasting for viewers?