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12th November 2024
10:44am GMT
Gary Lineker has agreed a contract extension with the BBC until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The news comes after it was announced Lineker would be stepping down from hosting Match of the Day at the end of the season.
Lineker will still lead the coverage of the 2026 tournament. He will also host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025/26 season, 35 years on from lifting the trophy as a player.
Lineker's time as Match of the Day presenter, however, will come to an end after the current season. The BBC confirmed he will be stepping down after 26 years in the role.
The former Baarcelona striker said: "I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen."
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, says: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.
“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD.
"We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week.
"He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”
The BBC have yet to confirm who will replace Lineker on the highlights show. Last season 33 million viewers tuned in to Match of the Day across the Premier League and FA Cup.
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