Gary Lineker has officially confirmed his partnership with Netflix to bring his popular podcast, ‘The Rest is Football,’ to the streaming platform for the 2026 World Cup. This new venture marks a significant departure from his previous roles, promising a unique approach to sports commentary.
A New Era for World Cup Coverage
The former Match of the Day presenter is set to host a daily show throughout the World Cup, a demanding schedule spanning 40 consecutive days. He will be joined by familiar faces Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, alongside a roster of ‘exciting surprise guests,’ ensuring a dynamic and engaging broadcast.
During a recent announcement in London, the 65-year-old broadcaster emphasized his unwavering support for England during the upcoming tournament in North America. However, Lineker also made it clear that he would not shy away from candidly assessing their performance if they fail to meet expectations. “I rubbed a few people the wrong way when I said England was s*** at the last tournament,” he recounted, attributing his bluntness to passion. “It was an excruciating watch.” He added, “We have to tell it like it is, and I plan on doing the same this time around. Hopefully, England play well and I won’t need to say that again!”
From Salford to Times Square: A Personal Shift
Lineker humorously reflected on the stark contrast between his previous BBC commitments and his new role. “This World Cup will be different because of all the other ones I’ve done at the BBC,” he stated. “I would have been in Salford in the green box, and now I’m in New York City, at Times Square.” This geographical and professional shift underscores the fresh perspective and opportunities this collaboration with Netflix presents, while still maintaining elements similar to his successful podcast.
Netflix’s Growing Sports Ambition
This move with Lineker is part of Netflix’s broader and aggressive expansion into the sports domain. The streaming giant recently secured a $5 billion deal to air WWE live every week and has also acquired rights to major boxing events, including Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao and the highly anticipated Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury bout later this year.
In addition to ‘The Rest is Football,’ Netflix, which boasts over 325 million paid subscribers, announced a comprehensive slate of upcoming sports documentaries designed to complement its live offerings. These include deep dives into the careers of football legends like Jamie Vardy, Vinnie Jones, Jose Mourinho, Emiliano Martinez, and Rafa Benitez, as well as historical features on Liverpool’s Champions League win in Istanbul and Brazil’s iconic 1970 side. Motorsport fans can look forward to a documentary on Michael Schumacher’s 1994 season, while tennis and boxing enthusiasts will see features on Rafael Nadal and Tyson Fury, respectively. All these documentaries are slated for release this year.
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