Gary Lineker has said he is "not treading on so many eggshells" since leaving the BBC, where he presented Match of the Day for 26 years. The 65-year-old stepped down in May 2025 following criticism over his political opinions on social media, including a controversial Instagram post about Zionism.
Lineker will take his podcast The Rest Is Football to Netflix for the 2026 World Cup, producing a daily TV show alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer. The programme will cover the tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking to the Press Association, Lineker said: "I've got a bit more time. I'm not treading on quite so many eggshells these days. I'm allowed an opinion on things." He added that he had a "wonderful period" at the BBC but is now doing something "really exciting."
Lineker expressed surprise that the BBC will not cover the World Cup until the latter stages, but said he does not miss the "green box" itself, only "some of the company." He emphasised that his new show is not in competition with the BBC, which focuses on live football.
The former England striker also voiced concerns about the US co-hosting the tournament due to President Donald Trump's actions, including the war with Iran. He noted that every World Cup has pre-tournament issues, referencing LGBTQ+ rights in Qatar and Russia's invasion of Crimea, but said "the football takes over" once the event starts.
