Gary Lineker to Depart Match of the Day

Gary Lineker, the long-time host of BBC's Match of the Day, has announced he will leave the show at the end of the Premier League season, although he will continue to lead coverage for the 2026 World Cup and the FA Cup. His departure has sparked significant interest, especially with Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates set to join the presenting team as his replacement. Recently, during an episode of his podcast, Lineker humorously addressed a mistake where he praised rival broadcasts but forgot to mention BBC's Final Score, leading to playful banter with colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. Despite the slip-up, Lineker reassured fans that he won't be sacked, affirming his ongoing commitment to BBC programming. His popularity and influence have made him a central figure in football broadcasting, with some arguing that he has become larger than the BBC itself. As he prepares to transition roles, the anticipation around his replacement highlights the significant impact he has had on the show and its audience.