Gary Lineker has spoken about his newfound freedom since leaving the BBC, saying he is “not treading on so many eggshells these days” and is now “allowed an opinion”. The 65-year-old former Match of the Day presenter stepped down in May last year after a 26-year tenure, following criticism over his political commentary on social media.
Lineker is now preparing to bring his podcast, The Rest Is Football, to Netflix for a daily television show covering the 2026 World Cup. He will be joined by fellow former footballers Micah Richards and Alan Shearer. Reflecting on his career transition, he told the Press Association: “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.”
While acknowledging his positive time at the BBC, Lineker expressed surprise at their limited coverage plans for the upcoming World Cup. “I’m a bit surprised the Beeb are not going until possibly the very latter stages of the competition,” he said. He clarified that his new show would not compete directly with the BBC but would offer a complementary viewing experience.
Lineker also voiced significant apprehension regarding the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. His concerns centre on the US administration under President Donald Trump, particularly its stance on Iran, a nation competing in the World Cup. He drew parallels with previous World Cups, recalling controversies over LGBT+ rights in Qatar and Russia’s invasion of Crimea.
“This time we’ve got a first, probably I think, we’ve got the host nation at war with one of the competing countries, you’ve got an unpredictable leader,” Lineker said. Despite his anxieties, he expressed hope that the sport would prevail. “But from my experience, which is a lot, once we get there, once it starts, it’s always alright, it’s always great, the football takes over.”
Lineker concluded: “But I am a little bit more nervous about this one, I think, than others, for obvious reasons.”
