Gary Lineker is set to join Netflix for next summer’s World Cup after leaving the BBC earlier this year.The former Match of the Day presenter was due to cover the tournament in North America with the BBC as part of his retirement arrangement. However, after an early departure from the broadcaster due to an antisemitism row, he’s been looking for a new role.Lineker originally planned for the World Cup to be his final bow for the BBC, but he will now be working elsewhere.The Daily Mail reports that the 65-year-old will be signing an ‘extraordinarily lucrative’ deal with Netflix.He is set to join the streaming giants, presenting his ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast from the 2026 tournament.Originally, the podcast’s home was BBC Sounds, but after Lineker’s exit, it has just been shared on YouTube and Spotify.Lineker hosts the show with Premier League legend Alan Shearer and ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards, but it is unknown whether the duo will join him on Netflix.A source told the Daily Mail: “The Rest is Football is currently available to watch on YouTube, but it has not been affiliated to any other network or broadcaster.“This is all new for Netflix and it is being described as an exciting new thing amongst the bosses there. “It will mean that Gary gets a huge payday, it is an extremely popular show, but when he left the BBC he took it with him.“This will mean that its profile will catapult again, as well as meaning that Gary will go to the World Cup after all, just in a very different capacity.”Lineker is reported to be signing a lucrative new deal with NetflixGettyHe is now expected to be at the 2026 World Cup after his BBC exitGettyWhy did Lineker leave the BBC?The BBC announced in May that Lineker would be leaving after 25 years, with the decision later revealed not to be mutual.His departure occurred days after he came under fire for re-sharing a pro-Gaza video which included an image of a rat.The video likened supporters of Israel to rats and images of the animal have historically been used as part of anti-semitic propaganda, including in Nazi Germany during the 1930s.Lineker apologised soon after deleting the shared post amid calls for the BBC to sack him for the incident. But due to the controversy, the BBC opted to part ways with their long-time presenter, reportedly without a pay-off.After the decision was made, Lineker said: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.Lineker departed the BBC in May after a re-shared post sparked an antisemitic rowGetty Images - Getty“I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.“However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. “Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”When is the 2026 World Cup?Lineker is now expected to be in North America with Netflix for the 2026 World Cup, which gets started on Thursday, June 11. The final of the tournament is scheduled for Sunday, July 19.There are 16 host cities, including 11 in the USA, two in Canada and three in Mexico and it will be the first World Cup to include 48 teams.