The BBC has announced that Gary Lineker will step down as the host of Match of the Day at the end of the current season.
But the iconic pundit will remain a key figure in BBC Sport’s coverage.
Lineker will host the BBC’s broadcasts for the 2026 World Cup as well as the 2025-2026 FA Cup.
In a statement, the BBC said: “The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup.”
Linker added: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”
Alongside his World Cup and FA Cup responsibilities, Lineker will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast. Additionally, the BBC will host The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.
The end of an era, after more than 25 years hosting Match of the Day.
Gary will continue to host the FA Cup and lead the BBC’s 2026 World Cup coverage.#MOTD #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/VGU9QIuW80
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 12, 2024
Several names have been linked with the upcoming vacant position as MOTD host.
Jermaine Jenas had been tipped to takeover before his recent online scandal, while Mark Chapman – regular host of MOTD2 is a frontrunner.
Lineker broadcast fans’ favourite football show for 25 years and even once presented it in his underwear after Leicester won the league.
His shoes will be hard to fill, particularly with the BBC’s challenge of keeping up with changing media trends.
Channels are now able to show highlights immediately after the game finishes, meaning there is less appetite to wait until 10:30pm to see how your team got on.
