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Broadcaster Gary Lineker has entered into an agreement with Netflix, which will stream his podcast, The Rest is Football, throughout the upcoming World Cup. Initially, Lineker was set to present tournament coverage for the BBC but announced in May that he would be departing the corporation ahead of schedule following controversy related to antisemitism.
The Rest is Football podcast, hosted by Lineker alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, typically releases three episodes weekly. However, during the World Cup, the show will be broadcast daily on Netflix. This partnership represents Netflix’s first substantial step into football programming and expands its range of podcasts as it seeks to compete with platforms like YouTube.
Lineker described the new deal as a “fantastic opportunity for the three of us to do what we love – talk football every day – but on a truly global stage.” He added, “Expect all the usual analysis, honesty and plenty of laughs… just with a few more cameras pointed at us, all from the Big Apple.” The production company Goalhanger, co-founded by Lineker, noted that the program will include game analysis, special guests, interviews, and insights into the World Cup, which will take place across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Filming will occur in a New York studio, with reporters connecting remotely from the England camp and fan zones.
Goalhanger also produces other podcasts in The Rest Is series, covering topics like politics, history, entertainment, and finance. Netflix confirmed that an audio version of The Rest is Football will remain available on platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts during the World Cup. Additionally, in the coming year, Lineker will debut a new ITV game show called The Box, where ten celebrities will be challenged after being transported to unfamiliar places inside giant yellow boxes. Earlier this year, Lineker ended Ant and Dec’s 23-year streak by winning Best TV Presenter at the National Television Awards.
Lineker’s exit from the BBC followed significant backlash over a social media post about Zionism that included a rat emoji, a symbol often recognized as antisemitic. He stated he had not noticed the emoji and said, “I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic.” Reflecting on the incident, he expressed regret: “However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.” His social media activity around political topics had previously raised concerns due to the BBC’s impartiality guidelines
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