Get ready for a game-changer in sports broadcasting! Gary Lineker is taking his hit podcast, The Rest is Football, to Netflix for the 2026 World Cup, and it’s a move that’s already sparking conversations. But here’s where it gets controversial: this shift comes after Lineker’s high-profile departure from the BBC earlier this year, following a heated antisemitism row. Now, he’s stepping onto a global stage with Netflix, and fans are buzzing about what this means for football coverage.
Lineker, alongside co-hosts Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, will bring their signature blend of sharp analysis, candid conversations, and plenty of humor to Netflix’s platform. The podcast, which currently drops three episodes weekly, will go daily during the World Cup, offering fans an immersive experience like never before. And this is the part most people miss: this deal marks Netflix’s bold entry into football coverage, positioning it as a direct competitor to YouTube in the podcasting arena.
But is Netflix the right home for The Rest is Football? While the streaming giant promises a wider audience, some fans wonder if the podcast’s intimate vibe will translate to a more commercial setting. Lineker himself called it a 'fantastic opportunity' to talk football on a global scale, adding, 'Expect all the usual analysis, honesty, and laughs... just with a few more cameras pointed at us, all from the Big Apple.'
Filmed in a New York studio, the show will feature game breakdowns, special guests, and behind-the-scenes insights from the World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Reporters will dial in from England’s camp and fan zones, giving viewers a 360-degree view of the tournament. Production company Goalhanger, co-founded by Lineker, promises a spectacle that goes beyond the pitch, with the podcast also exploring politics, history, and entertainment in its broader The Rest Is series.
Here’s a twist: while The Rest is Football is currently available on Spotify and Apple, it’s unclear if it will remain on those platforms after the Netflix deal. Could this exclusivity spark backlash from loyal listeners? Only time will tell.
Beyond the podcast, Lineker’s career is on fire. Next year, he’ll host ITV’s new game show, The Box, where celebrities face challenges in unexpected locations. And let’s not forget his recent win as Best TV Presenter at the National Television Awards, ending Ant and Dec’s 23-year reign. Talk about a comeback!
But let’s circle back to the controversy. Lineker’s BBC exit was fueled by a social media post about Zionism featuring a rat emoji, historically tied to antisemitism. While he apologized, stating he didn’t see the image and would 'never consciously repost anything antisemitic,' the fallout was swift. Was his departure justified, or did the BBC overreact? It’s a question that still divides opinions.
As Lineker embarks on this new chapter with Netflix, one thing’s clear: he’s not just playing the game—he’s changing it. But here’s the real question for you: Is Netflix the future of sports broadcasting, or will traditional platforms like the BBC remain the go-to for football fans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is just getting started!
