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Football Insider

Gary Lineker's Surprise Appearance on ITV's World Cup Coverage: A Detailed Look

Discover how Gary Lineker made a sensation return to free-to-air television on ITV's World Cup coverage and cheekily took over from Laura Woods in the wake of his BBC exit.

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Gary Lineker's Surprise Appearance on ITV's World Cup Coverage: A Detailed Look

Gary Lineker surprisingly joins ITV's World Cup coverage and jokingly takes over from Laura Woods in wake of BBC exit

1

The Remarkable Return of Gary Lineker

In a surprising turn of events, football legend Gary Lineker recently reemerged on free-to-air television, this time on ITV's World Cup coverage. Just weeks after bidding goodbye to the BBC, where Lineker was a familiar face, the former England captain made a memorable entrance as a studio guest for the Group E match between Germany and Ivory Coast.

2

Cheeky Banter with Laura Woods

During his appearance on ITV, Lineker was welcomed by host Laura Woods, which led to some witty and humorous exchanges between the two. Lineker even playfully took over the broadcast at times, injecting his trademark humor into the coverage and keeping viewers entertained.

3

Competing Networks Join Forces

Lineker's shift from BBC to ITV marked an interesting crossover between rival broadcasters, showcasing the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of sports media. His presence on both channels highlights the versatility and appeal of Lineker as a sports pundit, winning over audiences regardless of the network.

Published on Jun 21, 2026