Former England striker and broadcaster Gary Lineker has secured a major new role for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, striking a multi-million pound agreement with streaming giant Netflix. This move comes after his high-profile departure from the BBC last year.
From Podcast to Global Netflix Show
The lucrative deal will see Lineker's hit audio podcast, The Rest Is Football, transformed into a daily video analysis programme for the tournament. The show will be produced by Lineker's own company, Goalhanger, and broadcast live from a studio in New York throughout the World Cup.
Lineker will be joined by his regular co-hosts, fellow former England striker Alan Shearer and popular pundit Micah Richards. The trio have expressed excitement about the "fantastic opportunity" to reach a massive global audience from the Big Apple.
The BBC Split and New Beginnings
This new venture was made possible after the podcast's previous deal with the BBC was officially terminated in May 2025. The split from the national broadcaster follows Lineker's exit in 2024, which occurred after he posted controversial content on social media regarding zionism, including a rat emoji – a symbol historically used as an antisemitic insult. The 65-year-old former forward apologised but still left the corporation.
The podcast itself has been a significant success since its launch, amassing over eight million views on YouTube and building a substantial domestic and international following.
BBC Plans and Dual Roles for Pundits
News of Lineker's Netflix deal emerges as the BBC unveils its own plans for covering the 2026 World Cup. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting pundits might not travel until the quarter-finals, the corporation has denied this, stating reporters will be on the ground throughout the tournament.
Interestingly, Alan Shearer is expected to have a foot in both camps, contributing to coverage for both Netflix and the BBC. Ahead of the competition, Shearer has tipped the England men's team to be among the favourites to lift the trophy.
This landmark deal signifies a major shift in sports broadcasting, with a premier football presenter and his successful format moving from traditional terrestrial television to a leading global streaming platform for one of the world's biggest sporting events.
