Gary Lineker will reportedly stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of the current football season but is set to stay on with the BBC for the 2026 World Cup.

Speculation surrounding Lineker’s future has been rife, with the ex-footballer’s contract set to expire midway through 2025.

Lineker has anchored the iconic Saturday night show for over two decades, but talk of an exit had started to gather pace.

According to The Sun, Lineker is expected to step down from the role when the 2024/25 campaign comes to a close in May next year.

But that won’t be the last BBC viewers see of Lineker, with the same report claiming the 63-year-old has struck an 18-month contract extension that will take him through to the 2026 World Cup being held in the United States.

Speaking to the outlet, a source from the BBC said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day, and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.

“But he has been at the helm since 1999, and by the time he leaves, he will have been at the Beeb for 30 years.

“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.

“It’s one of the industry’s worst kept secrets that the new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t exactly close. The former is very keen to make his mark by bringing in new faces, and slashing wage bills.

“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with.”

It was suggested earlier this year this season would be Lineker’s last as Match of the Day host.

Amid rumours he was set to step down from his position, Lineker cheekily opened up a Match of the Day show last month by saying: “Seven games on the way and it’s my final show…. Before the international break.”