Gary Lineker is reportedly set to play a key role in Netflix’s 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage with his The Rest Is Football podcast.
Netflix has reportedly made a move into sports podcasting by signing Gary Lineker’s The Rest Is Football for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Under the deal, Lineker will host the show every day during the tournament set to take place across the US, Canada and Mexico, joined as usual by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
The podcast has grown into one of the biggest in the sports space, helped by the reputation of its presenters and its willingness to innovate. Earlier this year it joined the trend of football leagues awarding media rights to influencer-led platforms, securing a deal with La Liga in July.
Another factor which may have helped Netflix choose the podcast is its FIFA Club World Cup partnership with DAZN, signed earlier this year for the. The collaboration featured licensed match footage for the first time, alongside tournament previews, live coverage, social content and other exclusive features.
The project may offer clues as to what Netflix intends to build around the World Cup.
Insider Sport has contacted The Rest Is Football for comment, though an official announcement is expected later today (December 2).
A remarkable bounce back
The Rest Is Football is part of Goalhanger Podcasts, the company behind The Rest Is Politics, The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Entertainment and others. Lineker co-founded Goalhanger with Tony Pastor, former ITV controller of sport, and Jack Davenport, a former senior BBC journalist.
Goalhanger originally focused on films and documentaries but shifted into podcasting in 2018 with Behind Closed Doors, hosted by Lineker and broadcaster Danny Baker.
Lineker had been the face of the BBC’s Match of the Day for over 25 years. His departure earlier this year from the programme followed his sharing of a social media post about Zionism which included an illustration of a rat.
He later apologised, saying “I recognise the error and the upset I caused.”
In addition to marking the end of an era for the BBC, his exit also meant he would not be part of the broadcaster’s 2026 World Cup coverage. His signing with Netflix now places him back at the centre of the tournament, with The Times reporting his wage could surpass the £1.35m he earned at Match of the Day.
Netflix’s move into podcasts
Netflix has been exploring podcasts for several months, with this deal following its announcement of a partnership with Spotify to bring a selection of podcast content onto the platform. The shows, which will feature video elements, are expected to launch in the US in early 2026 before expanding to other markets.
The Rest Is Football also fits into Netflix’s broader push into live sports, an area where the company has been increasing its activity.
Netflix’s previous combat sports numbers suggest huge reach. Its first entry came in November 2024 when Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson, drawing an average of 108 million viewers and a peak of 65 million concurrent streams. Netflix has called it the most streamed sporting event in history.
The platform then broadcast Taylor vs Serrano III in July 2025, delivering around 74 million viewers, followed by Canelo Álvarez vs Terence Crawford in September 2025, which drew 41.4 million worldwide and set a Nevada attendance record.
Netflix looks ready to break streaming records once again with the upcoming Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul fight on December 19.
With its ambitions in sport continuing to build, Netflix is reportedly considering a move for Premier League broadcast rights after missing out on the UEFA Champions League.
