Gary Lineker tipped to join ITV World Cup 2026 team

Gary Lineker is set to step away from the BBC after nearly 30 years, with Sunday’s edition of Match of the Day marking his final appearance on the long-running programme.

As speculation mounts over his next move, bookmakers have begun pricing up where the broadcasting veteran might appear next.

According to William Hill, Lineker is 3/1 to join ITV’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup, a move that would keep him front and centre during one of the sport’s biggest global events.

The former England striker is also 7/2 to host his own football show on ITV before the end of 2026, and 4/1 to take up a similar role at Sky Sports.

With his profile and experience, there’s no shortage of platforms that could be keen to bring him on board.

Lineker’s future might not be limited to football broadcasting either.

William Hill are offering 6/1 for him to take part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2025, 7/1 to appear on The Traitors: Celebrity Edition in 2026, and 8/1 to head into the jungle for ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! later this year.

He’s been linked with the show before, though has never featured.

Despite his reported fallout with the BBC, a return to Match of the Day hasn’t been completely ruled out by the bookies, with odds of 12/1 for Lineker to present at least one episode next season.

William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said:

“Gary Lineker has been a permanent fixture in households across the nation for over 25 years as the presenter of Match of the Day.

While that may be coming to an end, we think he could well switch over to ITV – we make him 3/1 to be part of their 2026 World Cup team.

“Lineker is 7/2 to have his own football show on ITV and 4/1 to switch over to Sky before the end of 2026.

A return to MOTD isn’t out of the question either, and we’re offering 12/1 that he presents at least one episode next season.

“And while his future in football broadcasting seems most likely, the odds suggest there’s also a chance we could see him trying his hand at something entirely different, with Strictly, The Traitors and I’m A Celeb all in the frame.”

Whether Lineker opts for a new chapter in football broadcasting or something more unexpected, fans will be watching closely to see what comes next.