Gary Lineker has taken a fresh swipe at the BBC over its coverage plans for the 2026 World Cup, criticising the decision to have pundits work from a green box in Salford instead of being on location in North America. The corporation has opted to base its operations in Greater Manchester to cut costs, sending television pundits stateside only from the quarter-finals onward.
Speaking at the launch of Netflix's Sports Club, Lineker said: 'I was originally going to do it for the BBC, this summer, but that didn't transpire and I would have been in Salford in a green box and now I'm going to be in New York City overlooking Times Square with lots of great guests.'
Why Did Lineker Leave the BBC?
Lineker ended his 26-year tenure with the BBC almost exactly a year ago. While he had planned to step away from Match of the Day, he was expected to continue fronting FA Cup and World Cup coverage. However, a social media controversy changed everything. He shared a video on Zionism that included a rat emoji, historically used as an anti-Semitic slur. Although Lineker said he hadn't noticed the emoji and wouldn't have shared it if he had, he acknowledged he should have been more vigilant.
He stated: 'Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember. I care deeply about the game and the work I've done with the BBC. I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic. However, I recognise the error and upset I caused. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.'
BBC director general Tim Davie added: 'Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism.'
A New Role with ITV
Soon after leaving the BBC, Lineker announced he would host a new ITV gameshow called The Box, set to air in 2026. The show features ten yellow boxes, each housing a celebrity contestant transported to unknown locations. Each week, two players face The Duel, with the loser leaving. Lineker said: 'I can't wait to host The Box. I've always felt at home in the box on a football pitch. The contestants will have to masterfully work out how each game works. It's going to be unpredictable and thrilling.'
Other Ventures
Lineker continues to front the successful Rest Is Football podcast alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, recently acquired by Netflix in a £14 million deal. The podcast will broadcast live from North America during the World Cup, providing daily news and reaction. Lineker commented: 'We are also fans and we will all be cheering England, but sometimes when you care that much you are more critical of your own team. There was a furore during the Euros when I said England played s***. And they did. You have to tell it as it is.'
Guests including Alex Aljoe and Rob Jones will also feature this summer.
