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      Gary Lineker’s replacement for BBC’s World Cup 2026 coverage with three names leading the race

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      GARY LINEKER’S departure from the BBC leaves three names leading the race to host the 2026 World Cup coverage. The former England striker is bowing out by mutual agreement after 26 years with his final Match of the Day this Sunday.Gary Lineker is leaving the BBCCredit: GettyIt comes in the wake of an antisemitism row which saw Lineker apologise for sharing a controversial post.Lineker, 64, faced a huge backlash after he reposted a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.He had been due to host the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup – but now a replacement will need to be found. Here, SunSport look at the most likely candidates primed to fill Lineker’s boots. READ MORE IN football Gabby LoganLogan will be one of three favourites to replace Lineker, alongside Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates who are sharing the roles of new MOTD hosts. Presenter Logan has worked on World Cup and European Championships for the Beeb in the past – alternating with Lineker. Gabby Logan is one of three replacing MOTD host Gary LinekerCredit: AlamyMark ChapmanChapman long anchored MOTD 2 before accepting the gig to share the role as Lineker’s replacement.He has also presented coverage of World Cup and Euros for the BBC previously. Most read in FootballMark Chapman is sharing MOTD duties after Lineker’s exitCredit: GettyKelly CatesCates – daughter to Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish – is due to leave Sky Sports for the BBC when she takes over from Lineker. She has worked on World Cup and Euro competitions before on radio but not yet in a TV role.Kelly Cates will leave Sky Sports for the BBCCredit: GettyAlex ScottFormer Arsenal star Scott has carved out a successful punditry career since retiring from playing in 2017. She has worked on BBC TV before on Football Focus, MOTD and the World Cup – becoming the first female pundit to do so for the Beeb. Alex Scott has carved out a successful punditry career since retiring in 2017Credit: GettyReshmin ChowdhuryChowdhury has had a storied broadcasting career, working for the likes of Real Madrid TV, BT (now TNT) Sport and Eurosport. She has also hosted World Cup coverage for the BBC – working for BeIN Sports in the Middle East in 2022. Reshmin Chowdhury presents for TNT SportsCredit: AlamyManish BhasinBhasin first joined the BBC in 2004 and has worked on several shows including Football Focus, The Football League Show and Late Kick Off.He has also hosted MOTD 2 in the absence of Chapman before and worked on the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Euros.Manish Bhasin has worked at the BBC since 2004Credit: Getty Images – GettyLineker has been the face of BBC football since 1999.And he climbed to ladder to become the Beeb’s highest-paid presenter – despite taking a voluntary pay cut of 23% in 2020 to earn  £1.3million.But Lineker has caused controversy away from the camera for his outspoken political views. In 2023 he was temporarily removed from MOTD after likening the then-Tory government’s asylum policy to rhetoric of Nazi Germany.His co-presenters Alan Shearer and Ian Wright then boycotted the show and it went ahead without post-match analysis.Read More on The SunLineker’s most recent antisemitism row led to the ex-Barcelona star apologising on Instagram. But SunSport understands Lineker agreed to leave the BBC for good after meeting bosses last week — with a source saying he realised his position was untenable.Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney’s managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechless More

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      Gary Lineker QUITS BBC and will not front its 2026 World Cup coverage after explosive anti-Semitism row

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      GARY Lineker will today announce he is leaving the BBC and will not front the 2026 World Cup following an antisemitism row.The former Leicester City and England striker is bowing out by mutual agreement after 26 years with his final Match of the Day this Sunday.Gary Lineker will announce he is leaving the BBCCredit: SplashA source said: ‘It is an absolutely heart-breaking end to what has been an extraordinary broadcasting career’Credit: GettyA source told The Sun: “It is a heartbreaking end to an extraordinary broadcasting career.”Gary agreed to leave the BBC for good after meeting bosses last week — with a source saying he realised his position was untenable.The Match of the Day host’s early departure comes five days after he apologised for sharing a controversial post which saw him accused of antisemitism.Ex-England striker Gary, 64, faced a huge backlash after he reposted a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERHe had been due to host the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup but will instead bow out this Sunday.The source said: “Gary acknowledged his position at the BBC, anchoring the most prestigious ­tournament in world football, was untenable, and he will not be hosting the World Cup.“He offered to step down at the end of the season, and did not want the BBC — an organisation he still holds in the highest of esteem — dragged into any further controversy.“He remains absolutely devastated by the recent turn of events and is deeply regretful about how his post was interpreted. His last Match of the Day will air on Sunday now and he won’t be back.”Most read in FootballThe ex-Tottenham, Everton and Leicester City striker steps back after 26 years with the broadcaster, where he was its highest-paid ­presenter on £1.35million a year.His final years as MOTD host have been marred by his outspoken views and fallouts with bosses.He is now likely to focus on his successful Goalhanger Podcasts business.Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney’s managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechlessAnd those close to the star said his exit means he will be able to speak more freely.They added: “Gary remains passionate about speaking out over perceived injustices in the world, and will continue to call out things that he believes to be wrong.“He will be able to speak without the shackles of the non-partisan BBC, and has already had a lot of TV offers to mull over.“And, of course, he will be cheering on England like any other fan this summer.”Last Tuesday Gary deleted an Instagram story post from the group Palestine Lobby after he had shared it with his 1.2million followers.The re-post led to widespread calls for the BBC to drop Gary and the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism said it was submitting a complaint to the corporation.HATE ROW APOLOGYIn a statement that day Gary’s agent said: “Whilst viewing and reposting a video, Gary did not notice a rodent emoticon added by the author of the post.“Although if he had, he would not have made any connection. The repost has been removed.”On Wednesday Gary apologised and said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.“I very much regret these references. I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.“The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.The presenter will confirm his last Match of The Day will be on SundayCredit: GettyA young Gary presenting Match of the Day in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd“Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters. “I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.”BBC Director General Tim Davie addressed the backlash the same day, saying: “The BBC’s ­reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.“And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”Last October The Sun revealed that Gary would quit Match of the Day at the end of this season — but anchor the BBC’s 2025/26 FA Cup coverage and the World Cup.He previously clashed with bosses for pushing the BBC’s impartiality rules but has staunchly defended using social media to speak out.The BBC’s ­reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.BBC boss Tim DavieLast month he was asked by the BBC’s Amol Rajan whether it was within his remit to give a view on Middle East politics.Gary said: “I’m sorry. It’s more important than the BBC. What’s going on there (Gaza) is the mass murder of thousands of children — probably something that we should have a little opinion on.”In 2023 he was temporarily removed from MOTD after likening the then-Tory government’s asylum policy to rhetoric of Nazi Germany.His co-presenters Alan Shearer and Ian Wright then boycotted the show and it went ahead without post-match analysis.The former England captain presenting the BBC’s World Cup 2002 coverageCredit: BBCGary said of his colleagues’ support: “I had a tear in my eye. It just moved me, it was beautiful. It’s one thing saying that in a moment, but then actually to carry that through, they didn’t need to do that.”Six months later the BBC published rules for its presenters which said they would be “allowed to express views on issues and policies but stop short of political campaigning”.Gary responded by saying the rules were “all very sensible.”He has previously said he believes the BBC wanted him to leave MOTD when he was negotiating a new contract last year.Gary said then: “I think it was their preference that I didn’t do it for one more year, so they could bring in new people.”Read More on The SunMark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan take over next season.Gary’s replacement as World Cup host is expected to be announced shortly.Gary stripped down to his boxers live on air when Leicester won the Premier League in 2016Credit: PA:Press AssociationBBC boss Tim Davie said: ‘I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that’Credit: GettyFootie fun ‘N’ Foxes’ pantsBy Andy Robinson GARY Lineker’s 26 years at the BBC have seen him become one of our most popular footie presenters.He began as a pundit on Radio 5 Live before replacing Des Lynam on Match of the Day.He kicked off in 1999 saying: “Eh, tell you what. Football’s back. Any good? Have I got the job?”Gary’s most memorable moment came after he vowed to host in “just his undies” if his former side Leicester City won the Premier League.He stayed true to his word after the Foxes’ fairytale triumph in 2015-16 — though he ranked appearing in his boxers his “least favourite” MOTD moment.His favourite was the last day of Leicester’s title season.Gary also presented their FA Cup triumph in 2021, saying: “They are two things I thought I would never witness in my lifetime. They were my special ones.”In 2019 fans were left laughing when he mocked bald pundits Alan Shearer and Danny Murphy’s ­analysis of a “hair-raising” start to the season.Gary, Dion Dublin and Ian Wright also raised a smile by mimicking Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette’s scream picked up by microphones after he was fouled in a match during crowdless Covid.In 2023 Gary struggled to keep a straight face as pranksters played sex sounds from a phone hidden in the BBC studio.He has also presented for Al Jazeera, NBC and BT Sport who may seek his services once again. More

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      Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney’s managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechless

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      GARY LINEKER has roasted Wayne Rooney over his managerial record – live on the BBC. The Manchester United legend joined Lineker for the Beeb’s coverage of the FA Cup final.Gary Lineker couldn’t resist a dig at Wayne Rooney during the BBC’s FA Cup coverageRooney was sacked by Plymouth with the club bottom of the ChampionshipCredit: GettyRooney, 39, has launched a media career after being sacked by Plymouth Argyle on New Year’s Eve.The ex-England forward’s managerial record is chequered at best, with Argyle bottom of the Championship when he was axed. Rooney has failed to achieve a win rate of over 30 per cent during stints with DC United, Derby County, Plymouth and Birmingham. Lineker couldn’t resist sending a brutal dig Rooney’s way during the panel’s half-time analysis of Crystal Palace’s win over Manchester City.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Eagles took a 1-0 lead into the break at Wembley thanks to Eberechi Eze’s goal.Micah Richards asked Rooney: “Being a manager and you’re 1-0 up, what do you tell the players at half time?”Do you change the way you play?”Quick as a flash, Lineker quipped: “His teams were never 1-0 up.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe panel burst into laughter, with an apologetic Lineker adding: “Sorry Wayne!”Laughing himself, Rooney hit back: “Let’s just get back to the game.”Furious Pep Guardiola and Dean Henderson clash on pitch after Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumphThe exchange quickly made its way onto social media.One fan laughed in response: “Gary Lineker has just cooked Wayne Rooney, my God.”Another said: “Lineker bodying Wayne Rooney is the best bit of the final so farWhile a third joked: “Mr Lineker is off the leash today…brutal to Rooney at HT. Rate it.”Lineker is leaving his role as Match of the Day host at the end of the Premier League season.The 64-year-old has been in the MOTD hot seat since 1999. Lineker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25.Read More on The SunBut he will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and will also lead the coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.Crystal Palace would go on to win the FA Cup with Eze’s goal being the only one of the match. More

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      Gary Lineker returns to BBC for first time since post likening supporters of Israel to rats as host fronts FA Cup final

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      GARY Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since being accused of sharing a “anti-Semitic” post.The outgoing Match of the Day host sparked fury over the Instagram upload, which has since been deleted.Lineker has returned to the BBC for the first time since his postCredit: GettyHe presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley todayLineker has “apologised unreservedly” after sharing the pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats.A rat has been used as an anti-Semitic insult referring to language used by Nazi Germany to characterise Jewish people.The rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza with the caption “Zionism explained in two minutes.”In a statement, Lineker said: “On Instagram I reposted material which I have since learned contained offensive references.”I very much regret these references.”I would never knowingly share anything antisemitic. It goes against everything I believe in.”The post was removed as soon as I became aware of the issue.”Whilst I strongly believe in the importance of speaking out on humanitarian issues, including the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, I also know that how we do so matters.Most read in Football”I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.”It was an error on my part for which I apologise unreservedly.”Gary Lineker gets a grilling over Maradonna’s infamous hand of God goal in hilarious new The Assembly teaserLast November Lineker announced he would be stepping down from presenting Match Of The Day.The former England and Barcelona striker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25.But he will still host World Cup and FA Cup coverage.And Lineker returned to TV screens this afternoon for the first time since the row erupted.He presented coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace from Wembley.Lineker appeared alongside Wayne Rooney.But a source said: “He is hosting the Cup final this weekend but beyond that we don’t know at this stage.”Staff are annoyed with him after this week — and he is annoyed with himself too.”This comes after the director general of the BBC said people need to follow the broadcaster’s social media rules when asked about the row involving the Lineker post.Tim Davie, after giving a wide-ranging speech, speaking of trust, disinformation and impartiality, was asked if Lineker had broken the BBC’s rules.Speaking at The Lowry arts centre in Salford, Mr Davie said: “The BBC’s reputation is held by everyone and when someone makes a mistake, it costs us.”And I think we absolutely need people to be the exemplars of BBC values and follow our social media policies, simple as that.”Lineker’s agent told the BBC the presenter immediately deleted the post when he learned about the image’s symbolism, which he had previously not appreciated.Meanwhile, earlier this week Lineker fired savage digs at the new BBC boss as the ex-footballer revealed why he left Match of the Day.The TV veteran slammed BBC’s new director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, claiming he “has no TV experience” in a brutal interview with The Telegraph.Lineker, 64, warned the BBC not to tamper too much with the iconic show, saying: “He has his reasons, he wants to change Match of the Day a bit.”Ultimately, I don’t think they will, because I don’t see how you move a highlights show away from being about highlights.”Lineker presented Match of the Day for a staggering 26 years.However, the 64-year-old claims that much has changed since the new BBC boss took charge last year.”I think he wants more journalists – he has come from that background,” Gary added.In March 2023 Lineker was temporarily suspended from the BBC after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then-government’s new asylum policy.He was also among 500 other high-profile figures who signed an open letter in February urging the BBC, to re-broadcast a documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, to BBC iPlayer.But the legendary footballer has vowed to steer clear of entering the world of politics when he does end his punditry career in 2026.He said previously: “I won’t get involved in politics, I never really have.”Apart from the Brexit vote, because I did a lot of research on that and decided, ‘This could be worse than we think’.”I never back a government. I might criticise Sir Keir Starmer on Israel. But nobody knows my politics.”Read More on The SunLineker is the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, makers of the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.He is being replaced as Match of the Day host by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman next season. More

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      Crystal Palace vs Man City live stream: How to watch the FA Cup final for FREE

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      THE FA Cup final will come LIVE from Wembley in the annual showdown – and fans can watch it all for FREE.Man City will take on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, with a new champion guaranteed as Man Utd OUT of the competition.Man City eased past Crystal Palace when they recently met in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyCrystal Palace have only conceded one goal in the FA Cup this seasonCredit: GettyThe FA Cup final will be FREE to watch in the UKCredit: Scott Llewellyn | MI NewsFA CUP FINAL LIVEOliver Glasner’s Palace side eased past Aston Villa in the semi-final, and have only conceded ONCE in the whole competition this season.Pep Guardiola’s City will not win the Premier League title, but could still end with a trophy, despite a poor season by their standards.The Citizens and Palace recently faced off, but City had too much for Palace in a 5-2 victory at The Etihad. Read more FA CupThe Eagles are no strangers to Manchester at Wembley in the FA Cup final, as Utd beat them 2-1 in the final in 2016. How to watch the FA Cup final for FREEMan City vs Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final is FREE to watch in in the UK.The game will be aired LIVE on both BBC One and ITV1.The FA Cup final can also be live streamed via BBC iPlayer or ITVX.The final will kick-off at 4.30pm BST.Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens from Wembley.Why does the FA Cup final start at 4:30pmThe FA Cup final will start at 4.30pm BST this year.This is due to BBC wanting to cover all their bases ahead of the Eurovision song contest later in the day, and were pushing for a 3pm kick-off time.ITV were pushing for a 5.30pm kick-off to maximise viewership and advertisement.As such, the pair settled on 4.30pm BST. More

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      Gary Lineker confirms punditry retirement date with legendary presenter just days away from last Match of the Day show

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      GARY LINEKER has put an expiration date on his career as a football presenter and pundit.Lineker, 64, already announced earlier this year that he would be leaving Match of the Day after 26 years in the presenter’s seat for the BBC.Gary Lineker has confirmed when he will step away from football punditryCredit: GettyThe former England and Barcelona striker will make his final appearance on the highlights show on May 25. But will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and will also lead the coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.However, Lineker has revealed that he doesn’t think his punditry career will carry on past that summer – telling the Telegraph that he will call it a day after the tournament.He said: “Once I’ve done the World Cup, I won’t be a football presenter again. I’ll focus more on my podcast empire.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker co-owns a podcast production company called Goalhanger Productions, which has seen immense success since its inception in 2018.It is now the largest independent podcast producer outside of the US and has a number of top podcasts hosted by recognisable faces.Those include The Rest is Football, hosted by Lineker himself alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, as well as The Rest is Entertainment, a podcast hosted by TV icon Richard Osman and respected journalist Marina Hyde.While it is also the home of The Rest is Politics, one of the leading political podcast fronted up by Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker has been unapologetically vocal about politics in recent years and has even come in for criticism for a number of opinions.But the legendary footballer has vowed to steer clear of entering the world of politics when he does end his punditry career in 2026.’No offence lads’ – Gary Lineker gives no-nonsense Match of the Day verdict in savage goodnight messageHe added: “I won’t get involved in politics, I never really have. “Apart from the Brexit vote, because I did a lot of research on that and decided, ‘This could be worse than we think’.”I never back a government. I might criticise Sir Keir Starmer on Israel. But nobody knows my politics.”Lineker is being replaced as Match of the Day host by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman next season. More

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      Fury as Gary Lineker shares pro-Gaza video likening supporters of Israel to RATS with BBC urged to sack him

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      THE BBC is facing calls to sack Gary Lineker after the presenter shared a pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats. The outgoing match of the day host sparked fury after featuring on his Instagram a vermin emoji that has been used for decades, including by the Nazis, as antisemitic slur. Gary Lineker sparked fury after sharing a vermin emoji on Instagram – a symbol long used as an antisemitic slur, including by the NazisCredit: GettyThe BBC’s Director General Tim Davie is facing calls to sack LinekerCredit: GettyThe rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza. Responding to the post, former Labour MP Lord Austin said: “For too long Gary Lineker has been flagrantly abusing his position as the best-paid presenter at the BBC to promote his deeply biased views. “Now he has gone too far, sharing material that whether he knows it or not is redolent of the vilest anti-Jewish racism. “He cannot be allowed to stay in position, let alone be the face of World Cup coverage. READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER“The BBC must act now.” Danny Cohen, former director of BBC Television, said: “Gary Lineker appears to have shared content about the Jewish State which echoes 1930s Nazi propaganda. “This is utterly grim. The BBC’s Director General Tim Davie has a simple question to answer: does he tolerate the BBC’s flagship presenters sharing content that has historically been used as an antisemitic slur?” The controversial post comes weeks after the Match of the Day presenter told the Beeb presenter Amol Rajan that he has a right to express his opinion on topics including Gaza. He said: “I know where I stand on this. Most read in Football“I’m sorry. It’s more important than the BBC. “What’s going on there is the mass murder of thousands of children is probably something that we should have a little opinion on.” ‘That doesn’t happen’ – Gary Lineker broke down in tears over Ian Wright’s public show of support over MOTD axing More

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      Gary Lineker’s last ever Match of the Day appearance set to end on sour note for BBC legend

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      GARY LINEKER’S beloved Leicester City have inadvertently soured the BBC legend’s Match of the Day swansong. The former England striker is leaving his presenting role on the iconic BBC show after 26 years.Gary Lineker is leaving Match of the Day after presenting the show since 1999Credit: BBCOne of his final jobs on set will be reviewing his team Leicester’s relegationCredit: GettyLineker will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and the 64-year-old will also front coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.But he will be making his final appearance on the iconic highlights show on May 25 to wrap up the season’s final round of games. A Match of the Day tradition will see him end his final broadcast on a sour note.At the end of each season, the pundits conduct a final review of the Premier League table. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Lineker, a boyhood Foxes fans who spent the first seven years of his career at Filbert Street, will be forced to acknowledge Leicester’s immediate return to the Championship.The Foxes were relegated on April 20 and currently sit 19th in the table, with only Southampton behind.Lineker might have had plenty of time to process the relegation – but one of his final acts on MOTD will be announcing his side’s return to the Championship. Lineker has already presented his final Saturday night MOTD, with the Premier League’s final fixtures falling on a Sunday. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollowing a drab set of results, he quipped: “After 26 years of Saturday nights, I think that was probably one of the worst – no offence, lads.”Time to move on, I reckon. Goodbye!”Gary Lineker says BBC wanted him to quit MOTD to ‘change programme’ – despite star ‘um-ing & ah-ing’ about stayingThe Beeb announced in January that a new three-person presenting team would replace Lineker. Kelly Cates, 49, will be joined by Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Lineker said it had been a “joy and a privilege” to present Match of the Day for more than two decades.He added on The Rest Is Football podcast: “I feel this is now the right time [to leave].”I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”Lineker also confirmed he will not be heading to a rival broadcaster now he has left the BBC.Read More on The SunLineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t think you’ll see me doing much football, apart from the podcast.”I’ll do the odd thing, but I don’t think you’ll see me appearing regularly on another channel.” More