Gary Lineker might be stepping into new roles and launching fresh projects, but one thing that’s not on the cards? Hosting the World Cup for ITV.
Despite recent speculation, it turns out Lineker won’t be switching over to the rival network for next year’s tournament coverage.
No Big World Cup Comeback for ITV
There had been chatter about Lineker possibly becoming part of ITV’s World Cup plans—especially after reports emerged linking him to a primetime quiz show on ITV1.
That got people wondering: Could he be jumping ship to cover football’s biggest event on a different channel?
But ITV has now made it clear: Lineker won’t be part of their World Cup team.
In fact, preparations are already well underway, and his name isn’t anywhere in the mix.
A Twist in the Tale for BBC’s Longtime Star
Originally, the plan was for Lineker to go out with a bang—hosting the World Cup for the BBC as a sort of grand finale after leaving Match of the Day at the end of the season.
But that farewell moment never happened.
The reason? A controversial Instagram post Lineker shared, which featured an illustration of a rat alongside commentary about Zionism, caused significant backlash.
Despite issuing an apology, the damage was done.
It marked the final straw in a series of incidents that ultimately led to his early departure from the BBC.
Still in the Game, Just Not on Your TV
Though he’s taken a step back from live football broadcasts, Lineker hasn’t exactly disappeared from the scene.
He’s been busy with his podcast, The Rest is Football, which continues to be a hit with fans.
And just this morning, his production company Goalhanger (which he co-founded) dropped a major announcement: a new three-year deal to showcase highlights from Spain’s La Liga.
The new podcast segment—The Rest Is Football: LALIGA—will become the first of its kind to include official match footage.
Back to His Spanish Roots
The new show has personal meaning for Lineker.
He played for Barcelona in the late 1980s and has never hidden his affection for Spanish football. In his own words:
“I’ve made no secret of my love for Spanish football over the years.
Ever since I played there in the late ’80s, I’ve followed the story of LALIGA closely.”
With top English players like Jude Bellingham, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Marcus Rashford, and Conor Gallagher now playing in Spain, Lineker says there’s even more reason to tune in:
“All eyes will be on LALIGA’s biggest games each week.
The Rest Is Football: LALIGA will be the perfect way to catch all the goals and key action. I can’t wait.”
What’s Next for Gary Lineker?
While the World Cup stage might no longer be in his plans, Lineker seems perfectly content carving out a new path—away from live TV but still firmly in football.
From podcasts to production, and now with a deal to bring La Liga highlights to fans in a whole new way, he’s continuing to evolve.
One thing’s clear: whether on screen or online, Gary Lineker is still finding ways to keep football at the center of his world.