Piers Morgan is planning to go head-to-head with Gary Lineker by launching his own World Cup podcast, taking a swipe at the former England striker's lucrative Netflix deal. The outspoken broadcaster has unveiled 'World Cup Uncensored,' a show featuring John Terry and Simon Jordan, set to debut on June 8.
Morgan's Dig at Lineker
Morgan announced his podcast on social media, promising 'fearless debates, uncensored opinions' and delivering a pointed jab at Lineker's 'The Rest is Football' with the tagline: 'The rest is boring.' According to The Telegraph, the remark has not been well received at Lineker's Goalhanger company, which declined to comment.
Morgan, however, insists it is all in good fun. 'I would find it very, very hard to believe that Gary, in particular, wouldn't have had a little chuckle. We're good mates,' he told The Telegraph. 'Of course, if they took it over-seriously, it would be reflecting, perhaps, the accuracy of the joke.'
Lineker's Netflix Deal
Lineker's Goalhanger company signed a £14 million deal with Netflix to produce 'The Rest is Football' daily from the United States during the World Cup. The 65-year-old left the BBC in May 2025 and has embraced his new freedom, saying he no longer has to 'tread on eggshells' and can express his opinions freely.
Lineker also questioned the BBC's decision to broadcast most of the tournament from Salford rather than New York, where ITV will be based. 'I'm a bit surprised the Beeb are not going until possibly the very latter stages of the competition,' he said.
Rivalry Heats Up
Morgan hinted at a possible face-off with Lineker in New York, saying, 'We may have a sort of 'High Noon' with me and Gary in Times Square.' He added that there is 'plenty of room for both' shows and that a 'little bit of banter goes a long way in football.'
Lineker, meanwhile, is focused on his new venture, which includes daily shows with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. 'We're not in competition with the BBC in this, because obviously they're focused on live football. We haven't got the rights, but we've got a show that people can watch alongside,' he said.
