Former England striker Gary Lineker will host a daily World Cup show for Netflix from New York’s Times Square during the upcoming tournament, marking a return to football broadcasting after his departure from the BBC last year. The show, a World Cup edition of Lineker’s popular podcast The Rest Is Football, was acquired by Netflix for £14 million and will feature BBC pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

Unlike the BBC, which will broadcast its World Cup coverage from its studios in Greater Manchester—a decision driven by cost-saving measures—Lineker’s production will be based in the heart of New York City, providing a high-profile setting. The trio previously collaborated on a similar podcast from Berlin during Euro 2024, but Lineker described the Netflix show as a “more high-end” production with a greater scope.

At the launch of Netflix’s Sports Club, which is unveiling a range of sports-related programming, Lineker expressed no regret about missing out on the BBC’s coverage, noting the difference in location and scale. “I would have been in Salford in a green box and now I’m going to be in New York City overlooking Times Square with lots of great guests,” he said.

The show will feature additional reporters including Alex Aljoe, who will take on a roving role, and Rob Jones, who will report from the England camp. It is scheduled to air every morning in the UK and will be streamed globally on Netflix. Guests from football, other sports, and entertainment will also appear.

Lineker, 65, addressed the controversy caused by his candid remarks during the Euros, when he stated on his podcast that England had “played shit” in their 1-1 draw with Denmark, a comment that drew ire from the England camp. He defended his approach as rooted in honest fandom and passion. “Sometimes when you care that much you are probably more critical of your own team than anybody else,” he said. “You have to tell it as it is, and we continue to do that.”

Reflecting on England’s prospects, Lineker admitted his optimism about their chances has waned since last year. He attributed this in part to injuries affecting players and the demanding nature of the Premier League schedule. “A lot of players have been injured this season which might work out well as they won’t be as tired,” he said. “But others have been overplayed and that does work against the England team.”

Netflix’s new sports content slate also includes documentaries on boxer Tyson Fury, former footballers Jamie Vardy and Vinnie Jones, the 2005 Champions League final dubbed the “Miracle of Istanbul,” tennis star Rafa Nadal, and former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. Lineker recounted his personal history with Mourinho, describing the former manager as a “magnified human being” and noting an unresolved falling out dating back several years.

Anne Mensah, Netflix’s vice-president of content, highlighted the significance of The Rest Is Football World Cup show as a first for the platform in the UK. “We’ve never had a daily show in the UK. It will be the first time for the UK and it is one of the most exciting things that we’ve contemplated doing for a while,” she said.