Gary Lineker Tipped To Join ITV World Cup 2026 Team

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I’ve been following the betting markets and media chatter closely, and there’s growing speculation that Gary Lineker could be part of ITV’s coverage team for the 2026 World Cup. After nearly 30 years with the BBC, rumours suggest he may switch sides and bring his broadcasting experience to a new platform.

Bookmakers currently have him at 3/1 to join ITV’s World Cup 2026 team. That price reflects a sense that many believe this move is possible — not guaranteed, but well within the realm of what people expect. It’s interesting to see those odds because they show confidence that ITV might see value in bringing him on board.

With his long association with Match of the Day and as one of the country’s most recognisable sports presenters, Lineker has profile, credibility, and a large fanbase. If ITV were to land him, it would be a significant coup. For many, that kind of talent move wouldn’t just be about name recognition — it could shift how the public perceives the coverage.

Of course, this speculation comes after Lineker’s announced exit from the BBC. He stepped away from Match of the Day and will no longer be fronting the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup after various controversies. That situation has opened up questions about where his next broadcasting chapter might be.

Part of the attraction for ITV would be the visibility and prestige. World Cup coverage is one of the biggest global sporting platforms, and having someone with Lineker’s gravitas would strengthen their on-air line-up. From what the betting odds suggest, many believe ITV could be very interested in leveraging his talent.

But it’s also worth noting that “tipped” doesn’t mean set in stone. There are many moving parts — contracts, costs, and public image all play big roles. Even if the betting markets lean toward it, that doesn’t guarantee that ITV will, or can, make it happen.

For me, this feels like a crossroads moment for Lineker. If he does make the move, it would mark a major transition in his career — leaving the organisation that defined him for decades, and adapting to a different broadcasting environment. It would also signal something about how sports broadcasting is changing, especially with personalities moving between networks.

Whether or not the move happens, I’ll be watching closely. The odds shortening is one thing; the announcement is another. If ITV does bring Gary Lineker into their World Cup 2026 coverage, it would be headline-making — both for sports media and for fans who’ve followed his career for years.