Get ready for a football-filled adventure with Gary Lineker as he takes his podcast, The Rest is Football, to Netflix for the 2026 World Cup! But here's where it gets controversial...
Broadcaster Gary Lineker, known for his insightful commentary, has signed a deal with Netflix, marking the streamer's first major dive into football coverage. This move comes after Lineker's departure from the BBC, following a highly publicized antisemitism controversy.
The podcast, hosted by Lineker alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, will now be visualized and aired daily on Netflix during the World Cup. It's an exciting expansion of Netflix's podcast portfolio, seen as a strategic move to compete with YouTube.
Lineker expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "This is a fantastic chance for us to talk football daily on a global scale. Expect the usual analysis and laughs, but with a twist - more cameras and a New York studio!"
Production company Goalhanger, co-founded by Lineker, promises a show packed with game analysis, special guests, and insights into the world's biggest sporting event, which will take place across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
While the podcast is currently available on platforms like Spotify and Apple, it's unclear if this will change with the Netflix deal. Lineker also has another exciting project lined up - a new ITV game show, The Box, where celebrities will be challenged in unexpected locations.
Lineker's journey has been eventful. He left the BBC earlier this year after facing backlash for sharing a post about Zionism with a rat emoji, an antisemitic symbol. Lineker apologized, stating he didn't see the image and would never intentionally promote antisemitism.
So, what do you think about Lineker's new venture? Is this a smart move for Netflix, and will it impact the podcast's availability on other platforms? Share your thoughts in the comments!
