Gary Lineker makes dig at BBC moments into controversial ITV appearance

Gary Lineker couldn't resist cracking a joke about the BBC while covering the World Cup for a rival broadcaster.

The former Match of the Day host, 65, made a surprise appearance on ITV on Saturday (20 June) evening while Germany took on Ivory Coast.

And just moments into the show, he made a dig towards his former employer.

Lineker was previously set to be the face of the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup before it was announced that he would be standing down from his role in May last year.

The former England striker apologised for what he described as a 'genuine mistake' after sharing a post containing an antisemitic trope, insisting he had not knowingly done so.

In wake of the controversy, he said he thought 'it's best for all concerned that he steps down from BBC presenting duties altogether, and not do next season's FA Cup or World Cup'.

But Lineker was back in familiar territory over the weekend...but this time, he was offering his football expertise to viewers via ITV.

He made a guest appearance to provide coverage of the Group E clash - and comically tried to take the reins from Laura Woods, while also taking a playful swipe at the BBC.

Lineker began to introduce the show before his co-star interjected to remind him he is no longer the captain of the ship.

"Thank you very much for joining us on ITV for this one," the father-of-four said with a smile. "Another day, another game, another channel..."

Woods then humorously chimed in to remind him that she was in charge, saying: "Gary, that’s my job!"

Lineker then jokingly responded: "Sorry, sorry. Old habits!"

He then took it one step further by gushing about the stunning studio the ITV pundits were working from in New York overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge - while the BBC are based in Salford until the knockout stages.

"I’ve been doing a show daily for Netflix, we’re at Times Square," Lineker went on to say. "But I desperately wanted to come and see your set because I think it’s absolutely amazing - and I can confirm that it is real."

The TV legend also addressed the reason behind why he was joining ITV during a recent episode of The Rest Is Football podcast.

You can take the man out of the presenting chair but you can't take the presenter out of @GaryLineker 😅 pic.twitter.com/ubMAOiGisN

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 20, 2026

"I was making an appearance to promote my show ‘The Box’ which is also on ITV in September," Lineker explained to his co-host Micah Richards.

"And also I wanted to go and have a little look at the studio. I also wanted to go and promote our Netflix show which I got two mentions in for.

"It was just for purely professional reasons Micah."

LADbible has contacted the BBC for comment.