Gary Lineker’s final BBC appearance confirmed as Match of the Day presenter prepares to step down after 26 years
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GARY LINEKER's final appearance of his historic BBC career has been confirmed. The Sun exclusively revealed last month that Lineker will LEAVE the national broadcaster in the summer of 2026. Lineker's 25-year stint presenting Match of the Day will come to an end at the culmination of the 2024-25 season.
![[Gary Lineker will leave the BBC in the summer of 2026]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/file-photo-dated-21-03-948556250_0d6c1f.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
He will, however, head up the Beeb's coverage of the 2025/26 FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the USA. And the final of the tournament, which will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New York on July 19, will be the 64-year-old's swansong.
![[The 64-year-old will leave his role as Match of the Day presenter at the end of the season]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NINTCHDBPICT000948577682_07093a.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
BBC chiefs are weighing up who will replace the former Everton and England striker at the MOTD helm, which he took from Des Lynam. Lineker has loved every minute of his run presenting the show but believes it is time "for a change" after dedicating nearly half his life to the footie institution.
![[The ex-Everton and England striker will, however, cover the 2025/26 FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup for the broadcaster]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/file-photo-dated-21-03-948577261_f162e3.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
He said on the The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: "It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC. "But all things have to come to an end. "It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they've got the rights for another three years.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS. GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day. The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999. But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.
