Gary Lineker Lands Multi-Million-Pound Netflix Deal for 2026 World Cup Podcast
Gary Lineker will host his podcast The Rest Is Football on Netflix during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reaching millions of UK and international viewers.
The Event
Gary Lineker has signed a multi-million-pound deal with Netflix to host his podcast, The Rest Is Football, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This follows Lineker’s departure from the BBC earlier in 2025.
Why It Matters
The move marks a major shift in sports media, with a high-profile presenter leaving free-to-air broadcasting for a subscription-based streaming platform. It affects both UK audiences accustomed to BBC coverage and international viewers, and illustrates the growing influence of streaming services in global sports coverage.
Deal Details and Format Changes
Lineker’s podcast will air daily during the World Cup, up from three episodes per week.
Co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards will join Lineker throughout the tournament.
The deal is reported to dwarf Lineker’s previous BBC contract, where he earned £1.35 million annually for presenting Match of the Day.
His production company, Goalhanger, negotiated the licensing rights, with Netflix expanding its podcasting efforts internationally.
Community and Official Response
The BBC acknowledged Lineker’s departure and highlighted his 25-year contribution, confirming he will not receive a final payout.
Fans have discussed the move on social media, focusing on the multi-million-pound value and the switch to a streaming platform.
Netflix has not released specific viewership projections or episode schedules beyond the tournament.
What This Means for Viewers
UK viewers will need a Netflix subscription to access the daily episodes, unlike previous free BBC coverage.
International audiences will gain broader access, with Netflix distributing the podcast globally.
The deal also signals a trend toward subscription-based coverage of major sports events, potentially changing how fans engage with the World Cup.
Comparison to Previous Deals
Media reports indicate this is one of the largest hosting contracts for a UK football presenter in recent decades.
Lineker’s daily show format, combined with international distribution, represents a notable expansion of his audience beyond traditional BBC viewers.
This multi-million-pound contract sets a benchmark for future sports broadcasting deals.
How to Watch or Listen
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Netflix will host The Rest Is Football during the tournament.
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Official episode schedules will be published on Netflix and the podcast’s social media channels.
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Free coverage remains available through FIFA-licensed broadcasters.
Questions People Are Asking
When will Lineker’s podcast episodes air?
Episodes are expected daily from June 11 to July 19, 2026, replacing the previous tri-weekly schedule.
Who will co-host the podcast?
Alan Shearer and Micah Richards will join Lineker for tournament coverage.
Why did the podcast move from the BBC to Netflix?
Following his BBC departure in 2025, Lineker’s podcast became available for licensing to Netflix, allowing international distribution.
How can UK viewers access the podcast?
A Netflix subscription is required, though some prior episodes remain on Spotify and YouTube.
How does this deal compare to previous hosting contracts?
Reports suggest the multi-million-pound deal surpasses Lineker’s BBC salary and is among the highest for UK football presenters in recent decades.
Upcoming Updates
Netflix is expected to announce official launch dates and schedules ahead of the tournament.
Promotional campaigns will align with the World Cup kickoff on June 11.
The BBC will continue independent tournament coverage under separate media agreements.
Final Takeaway
Gary Lineker’s move to Netflix represents a major shift in sports broadcasting, with a multi-million-pound deal that affects viewing accessibility and fan engagement. Both UK and international audiences should monitor Netflix for schedules and co-host appearances. The deal reflects broader trends in subscription-based sports media and the increasing global reach of football content.
