Lineker jokes 'old habits' after accidentally presenting ITV's World Cup coverage

Gary Lineker’s return to free-to-air television at the 2026 World Cup got off to an unscripted start on Saturday night when the former BBC anchor instinctively began presenting ITV’s coverage before host Laura Woods stepped in to reclaim her role.

Lineker, who spent 26 years fronting Match of the Day before leaving the BBC last May, had been announced as a pundit for Germany’s Group E clash with Ivory Coast. But the moment the cameras rolled, muscle memory appeared to take over.

“Thank you very much for joining us on ITV for this one. Another day, another game, another channel,” Lineker began, only for Woods to interject: “Gary, that’s my job!” Lineker’s response was immediate: “Sorry, sorry. Old habits!”

The exchange set a relaxed tone for an appearance that touched on several chapters of Lineker’s own World Cup story. He reflected on winning the Golden Boot at Mexico 1986 and his proximity to Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the same tournament.

Lineker was also asked about Harry Kane drawing level with his England record of 10 World Cup goals after the captain scored twice against Croatia. “I am not a violent man, but I did kick the door down,” Lineker said with a smirk. “No, I was genuinely pleased for Harry. Obviously it’s taken him an extra World Cup to do it and there is quite a lot of penalties in there, but we’ll give him that.”

He went further in his praise of the Bayern Munich striker. “In all seriousness, Harry is a way better all-round number nine than I was. I was very much a penalty box player and Harry does it all, doesn’t he? He drops back, his passing range is fabulous and I think he is our best ever number nine.”

Lineker, who has been hosting a daily show for Netflix from Times Square during the tournament, also admired ITV’s New York studio backdrop — a pointed contrast to criticism directed at the BBC for not having a presence on the ground in the United States. “I did desperately want to come and see your set,” he said. “I think it’s absolutely amazing and I can confirm that it is real. What a backdrop.”

Woods later allowed Lineker to take the programme into a commercial break, praising the “fabulous job” of her guest before attention turned to the football itself. Lineker is set to front ITV game show The Box later this year.