Lineker returns to TV punditry as ITV fields star line-up for Germany vs Ivory Coast

Gary Lineker returns to television punditry on ITV for Germany’s Group E clash against Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup in Toronto, Canada, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm UK time.

Lineker, best known as the long-serving face of the BBC’s Match of the Day, has largely stepped away from traditional broadcast television in recent years, focusing instead on his podcast and Netflix series, The Rest Is Football. His appearance alongside host Laura Woods marks a notable departure from that path.

The 65-year-old will be joined in the studio by Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Duncan Ferguson, forming a heavyweight punditry panel for what promises to be a compelling Group E encounter. Neville recently provided analysis for England’s World Cup opener, while Wright and Lineker share a well-documented bond — Wright famously boycotted Match of the Day in 2023 in solidarity with Lineker after the BBC asked the presenter to step back following a social media controversy.

Assuming commentary duties for the match are Seb Hutchinson and former Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend.

The two sides arrive at the fixture in contrasting form. Germany demolished Curacao 7-1 in their opening game, while Ivory Coast edged past Ecuador 1-0 thanks to a 90th-minute strike from Amad Diallo.