Gary Lineker's final appearance as BBC Sport presenter revealed amid Kelly Cates speculation
WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as more details on Gary Lineker's BBC exit emerge
Gary Lineker will leave the BBC after the 2026 World Cup following the broadcaster's acquisition of the rights to the tournament.
The former England striker's final role with the BBC will be presenting live coverage of the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Lineker, 64, will continue to present FA Cup coverage for the corporation until his complete departure in two years' time following the World Cup.
The announcement comes as part of a new deal between the BBC and ITV for coverage of both the 2026 and 2030 World Cup tournaments.
Gary Lineker will leave the BBC after the 2026 World Cup following the broadcaster's acquisition of the rights to the tournament
GETTY
This latest broadcasting agreement will see both networks provide extensive coverage across their platforms.
The BBC will deliver live coverage and highlights on TV channels and iPlayer, alongside radio commentary on Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.
ITV will broadcast live matches on ITV1, ITV4 and ITVX, with highlights and exclusive content on their social media channels.
Gary Lineker will be leaving BBC Match of the Day at the end of the season
PA
The joint deal reflects the expanded tournament format, with 48 teams and 104 games to be shown across both broadcasters.
This represents the highest number of World Cup matches ever to be broadcast by the two networks.
The BBC's director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski said: "The World Cup is magical, something the whole planet stops to experience, and we can't wait to show it to audiences across all platforms."
READ MORE: Mykhailo Mudryk breaks silence after drugs test finds substance at centre of Maria Sharapova ban
ITV Director of Sport Niall Sloane added: "The World Cup always delivers some of the most memorable, historic and exciting moments in the sporting calendar and we are pleased to display the finest footballing action to the widest possible audience."
FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom welcomed the partnership, saying: "We are delighted to be able to extend our partnership with the BBC and ITV for the next two editions of the tournament, as they will provide strong platforms in the UK to reach the widest audience possible."
Kelly Cates is set to join the BBC as part of a three-person team replacing Lineker on Match of the Day from next season.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish will leave her role at Sky Sports at the end of the current campaign.
Cates, 49, will share presenting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 with Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.
Gary Lineker could be replaced by Kelly Cates (pictured), Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman on BBC Match of the Day
PA
Sky Sports executives are reportedly deeply saddened by her departure.
Her appointment follows a successful stint presenting Sky's Premier League coverage, with her previous BBC experience also contributing to the decision.
You may like
