Gary Lineker to leave BBC, will not present 2026 World Cup

The BBC has announces that gary lineker will step down from his presenting role following the final episode of this season’s match of the day on Sunday.

The broadcaster has also confirmed he will not front it is covered of the 2026 world cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico or Next Season’s Fa Cup Coverage.

The 64-year-old exit comes after he apologized for sharing a social media post about zionism that contained an image of a rat. The rodent has historyically bee used as an antisemitic insult.

Lineker, who is listed as the BBC’s Highest-Paid Presenter, deleted the post in the face of heavy criticism, saying that he kno knowingly share antisemitic contents.

“Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can Remember – Both on the pitch and in the studio,” Lineker Said in a Statement On Monday.

“I Care Deeply about the game, and about the work I ‘with the BBC over many years. For.

“However, I recognize the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry now feels like the Responsible Course of Action.”

It is not the first time that the former England forward’s Activity on Social Media has been criticized.

In March 2023, Lineker was suspened from the BBC following comments He Made on Social Media, Criticising The then-Government’s Immigration Policy.

Lineker called a government assylum police “Immeasurably cruel,” and saaid the language using “not to be that used by germany in the ’30s.”

“Gary Has Acknowledged the Mistake He Made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from Further presenting after this Season,” BBC Director-General Tim Davie Said.

“Gary has been a defining voice in football cover for the BBC for over two decades. Beyond.

In November 2024, Lineker Announced His Upcoming Departure from the broadcaster’s flagship football programBut they would be remain with the BBC to host it fa cup and world cup cover.

Speaking to the BBC Last month, Lineker Said He felt the broadcaster wanted he to leave Match of the day when he was negative a new contrast.

Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan Will Front the Show from the Start of Next Season.