Need to knowGary Lineker is set to make an appearance on ITV's coverage of the World Cup following his high-profile BBC exit last year05:00, 20 Jun 2026Gary Lineker is reportedly set to be part of ITV's World Cup coverage (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire.)Everything you need to know about Gary Lineker and the 2026 World Cup...BBC exit details: Gary Lineker permanently cut ties with the BBC in 2025, bringing an end to his 26-year career with the corporation. This decision followed a controversial social media incident where he unknowingly shared a post containing an anti-Semitic trope.Lineker's initial plans: Before completely cutting ties, Lineker was originally scheduled to anchor the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup. However, the broadcaster and presenter agreed he would step away entirely from all future sports presenting after his final Match of the Day season.Studio criticism: Lineker publicly mocked the BBC's decision to base its World Cup studio in Salford, Greater Manchester, instead of broadcasting live from North America. He joked that remaining with the broadcaster would have left him working from a restrictive "green box."The BBC's defence: BBC presenter Gabby Logan defended the decision to stay in the United Kingdom, explaining that flying the studio setup out early was far too expensive. BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, later hit back by stating the public wouldn't notice a difference in broadcasting quality and that spending tax money on a Dallas studio would be hard to justify.Virtual studio: The BBC countered the "green box" criticism by revealing a high-tech studio equipped with a massive panoramic screen and augmented reality features. This setup creates a virtual illusion that mimics the actual skylines of the 16 hosting World Cup cities, even utilising fans to simulate local locations.Netflix and podcast ventures: Since his departure, Lineker has kept busy by signing a £14 million deal with Netflix to broadcast The Rest Is Football podcast alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. This deal allows the trio to record and release episodes daily from a studio based directly in New York City during the tournament.New entertainment role: In addition to sports media, Lineker has ventured into light entertainment as the host of a new ITV game show called The Box. The program features celebrity contestants who are locked inside yellow boxes and transported to unknown locations to complete unpredictable challenges.Shock ITV punditry move: Lineker is reportedly set to make a surprise punditry appearance for the BBC's direct rival, ITV, during a weekend World Cup broadcast. He has already praised the network on his podcast for refusing to cut to commercial breaks during FIFA's mandated three-minute player hydration intervals.Read the full story: Gary Lineker to make shock ITV appearance as World Cup pundit in major blow for BBC