Gary Lineker's brief ITV appearance during Germany vs Ivory Coast leaves viewers baffled

Gary Lineker made a surprise but short-lived appearance on ITV’s World Cup coverage on Saturday, joining the build-up to Germany vs Ivory Coast before vanishing from the studio ahead of kick-off — prompting a wave of bewildered reactions on social media.

Lineker, who left the BBC 12 months ago following social media posts that conflicted with the broadcaster’s editorial guidelines, was booked by ITV for what turned out to be a 20-minute segment. He was also on hand to promote his upcoming ITV show The Box. After a round of questions from lead presenter Laura Woods, ITV cut to an ad break — and Lineker did not return.

Viewers took to X to voice their confusion. “Oh, Gary Lineker was only there for the first 20 minutes of the build-up. Won’t be in the studio during the game itself. Ah well,” one user wrote. Another asked: “Just turned on #GERCIV — Where’s Gary Lineker? He spoofed hosting and then left?” A third added: “Wait where’s Lineker gone, was he only on the bit at the start or?”

Despite the abrupt exit, Lineker’s brief appearance drew considerable praise. Several viewers used the moment to contrast ITV’s coverage favourably with the BBC’s. “ITV have absolutely wiped the BBC out the park in every single department for this World Cup. Gary Lineker is a real one who should’ve never been sacked,” one X account wrote. Another said: “That opening segment on ITV with Gary Lineker was exceptional. The best in the business.”

Lineker himself offered what many interpreted as a gentle dig at his former employer during his exchange with Woods. Asked what he had been up to, he said: “I’ve been doing a show daily for Netflix in Times Square but I did desperately want to come and see your set. I think it’s absolutely amazing, and I can confirm that it’s real. What a backdrop. And obviously I wanted to do TV — I haven’t done it for a little while.”

Since departing the BBC, Lineker has launched The Rest Is Football podcast alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, and secured a major Netflix deal to front World Cup coverage from the United States.