Gary Lineker could actually leave the BBC before the 2026 World Cup despite agreeing new deal
Gary Lineker could actually end up leaving the BBC before the 2026 World Cup, despite signing a new deal with the broadcaster.
The 63-year-old has been the host of Match of the Day ever since 1999 and, late on Monday night, it emerged that era was drawing to a close.
On Tuesday, the BBC confirmed that Lineker had signed an 18-month extension – after his previous deal was due to expire at the end of this year.
Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the campaign but continue to work with the BBC at the next World Cup, which will take place in two years’ time.
The BBC are, however, still waiting to see if their bid to show the prestigious tournament is successful.
The deadline to apply to the rights for the tournament was back in April.
While confirming Lineker’s departure from the BBC on Tuesday, they were keen to point out that the 63-year-old’s new deal that will see him stay on hinges on whether their application has been successful.
If it isn’t, there’s the possibility that the former England, Tottenham, Barcelona and Leicester star could leave earlier.
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However, the BBC are still widely expected to show the tournament – having done so regularly over the years.
If England were to go all the way in the United States, Mexico and Canada then it could be the perfect send-off for Lineker.
The Three Lions came precariously close to winning the European Championships back in July, only for Spain to win the final of that tournament 2-1.
England have brought in Thomas Tuchel as they look to finally end their wait for a first major tournament triumph since 1966.
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And Lineker, speaking recently to the BBC, believes the German is the right fit for the side.
“He (Tuchel) is a different kind of manager to Southgate,” he said.
“He will be more of an aggressive coach in terms of playing on the front foot. He is tactically wise and I think he will be more offensive than Southgate.
“It will be interesting to see if he can make them gel and believe in themselves.”
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With Lineker set to leave Match of the Day, it’s unclear what will happen with Alan Shearer.
However, like his close friend, the Newcastle icon also thinks Tuchel has what it takes to get England fully firing.
“We need a trophy, it’s as simple as that,” he said.
“We need a manager who can deliver that.
“There’s no doubt (Tuchel) has an incredible CV, but this is going to be a very different test for him. It’s a bold move from the FA, there’s no doubt about it.
“You have to win the tournament, that’s what he’s been hired for. They (the FA) have seen the bunch of players are the best England have had for a long, long time.”
