Gary Lineker’s closing look as a BBC Sport presenter is confirmed – as broadcaster and ITV win rights for 2026 and 2030 World Cups protection

Gary Lineker will get a World Cup swansong after the BBC announced they have agreed a deal with ITV for live coverage of the 2026 and 2030 tournaments.

Lineker, 64, will quit presenting Match of the Day at the end of the current season after 26 years. 

The former England striker will continue to present live coverage of the FA Cup before leaving the corporation altogether in two years’ time after the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. 

The agreement will see the BBC provide live coverage and highlights across its TV channels and iPlayer, as well as live audio commentary on Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.

ITV will deliver free-to-air coverage of live fixtures across ITV1, ITV4 and ITVX, plus highlights and exclusive content on ITV Sport social accounts.

The two broadcasters will show more games than ever before after the World Cup was extended to 48 teams and 104 games. 

Gary Lineker will officially leave the BBC after presenting the World Cup in 2026

ITV and BBC will show more games than ever after the World Cup was extended to 48 teams and 104 games

The BBC’s director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski said: ‘The World Cup is magical, something the whole planet stops to experience, and we can’t wait to show it to audiences across all platforms.’

Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, added: ‘We are looking forward to bringing these two tournaments free-to-air across ITV and ITVX. 

‘The World Cup always delivers some of the most memorable, historic and exciting moments in the sporting calendar and we are pleased to display the finest footballing action to the widest possible audience.’

Mattias Grafstrom, Fifa secretary general, said: ‘The expanded Fifa World Cup is set to be an unforgettable event for football fans everywhere in 2026 and 2030. 

‘We are delighted to be able to extend our partnership with the BBC and ITV for the next two editions of the tournament, as they will provide strong platforms in the UK to reach the widest audience possible and optimise the viewing experience.’

The agreement comes just days after Mail Sport revealed Kelly Cates is to leave Sky Sports to become part of a three-person team to replace Lineker as presenters of Match of the Day. 

The highly-regarded broadcaster, daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, will head to the BBC at the end of the season. 

It is expected that Cates will join fellow broadcasters Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with presenting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 split between the three of trio.

The announcement comes days after Mail Sport revealed Kelly Cates is leaving Sky to join Match of The Day as one of their presenters from next season

Bosses at Sky are understood to be deeply saddened at the loss of the 49-year-old. 

Cates’ smooth presentation of Sky’s Premier League coverage and previous experience with the BBC have clearly gone in her favour.