Gary Lineker has disclosed that he has held discussions with the White House regarding visa concerns for the 2026 World Cup in North America. The former England striker expressed worries about potential entry bans under Donald Trump's immigration policies, which currently affect Iran and Haiti.
Lineker, who will travel to the US for his podcast The Rest Is Football—which has secured a daily show agreement with Netflix to be recorded in New York City—said the White House reached out to them. He noted that the official in charge of the World Cup section expressed respect for the podcast and a desire to play a part.
Speaking on LBC, Lineker said: 'We live in crazy times... The White House have reached out to us. They've said how much they respect the podcast and want to play a part... I think we'll be alright.' He acknowledged that concerns about visas and security are common before major tournaments, citing examples from Russia, Brazil, and South Africa.
Lineker, who left the BBC last year after an anti-semitism controversy, will be joined by co-presenters Micah Richards and Alan Shearer for the daily Netflix shows. He expressed cautious optimism, stating: 'I have my doubts and my worries... but I think it'll be okay.'
