Gary Lineker agrees a contract extension with the BBC

He will oversee the 2026 World Cup coverage

The news comes after it was announced Lineker would be stepping down from hosting Match of the Day at the end of the season.

The pundit has agreed a deal in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup.

Lineker will lead the coverage of the tournament, as England once again try to land a first major trophy since 1966, the other Home Nations look to qualify and Lionel Messi aims to retain the trophy he won with Argentina.

Lineker 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.

In the statement issued by the BBC the broadcaster confirmed that after a quarter of a century, Lineker would be stepping down from hosting Match of The Day at the end of this season.

He will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also host the hugely popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.

Lineker 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 but Arsenal legend Alex Scott is the bookies favourite to step up to the plate.

Last season 33 million viewers tuned in to Match of the Day across the Premier League and FA Cup.