Gary Lineker is set to announce on Monday that he is leaving the BBC early and will no longer present for the broadcaster at the 2026 World Cup. This is according to a shock report from The Sun, who understand the BBC’s long-standing frontman will leave by mutual consent following his final Match of the Day appearance this Sunday.
It was announced in November 2024 that Lineker would step down as Match of the Day host at the end of the season. However, the initial plan was for the 64-year-old to continue fronting the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup during the 2025-26 campaign. He would then step aside after the 2026 World Cup finals.
However, it’s understood the England legend has now agreed to leave the BBC early after meeting bosses last week. A source told The Sun that Lineker realises his position with the broadcaster is now ‘untenable’ after sharing a controversial post which saw him accused of antisemitism.
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Lineker Apologed For Sharing Post
Insisted the reference 'goes against everything I believe in'
Gary Lineker
Lineker - the richest sports presenter on British TV, who has racked up a reported £30 million in earnings throughout his hugely successful career since retiring as a footballer in the mid-1990s - issued an apology last week after sharing a social media post about Zionism that included an illustration of a rat.
"On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references,” Lineker said in a statement. "I very much regret these references.
"I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in. The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.
"Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters. I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views. It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly."
Lineker 'Devastated' by Recent Events
England legend will not return to BBC
Gary Lineker
Lineker fronted the BBC’s coverage of Saturday’s FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City but will no longer work for the broadcaster following his final show on Match of the Day this weekend. The source told The Sun:
“It is a heartbreaking end to an extraordinary broadcasting career.”
The source continued: “Gary acknowledged his position at the BBC, anchoring the most prestigious tournament in world football, was untenable, and he will not be hosting the World Cup.
“He offered to step down at the end of the season, and did not want the BBC — an organisation he still holds in the highest of esteem — dragged into any further controversy.
“He remains absolutely devastated by the recent turn of events and is deeply regretful about how his post was interpreted. His last Match of the Day will air on Sunday now and he won’t be back.”
Lineker will now focus on his successful Goalhanger Podcasts business and may now step away from TV work completely. Match of the Day, meanwhile, will be co-presented by Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan from the start of next season.