Those tuning into ITV’s live coverage of the Germany versus Ivory Coast game were left doing a double take
20:34, 20 Jun 2026Updated 21:14, 20 Jun 2026
Gary Lineker made a surprise appearance on the ITV panel(Image: ITV)
Football fans were left doing a double take after tuning into ITV’s live coverage of the latest FIFA World Cup game. Tonight’s (June 20) game sees Germany play Ivory Coast. It is the teams’ second match in Group E at the World Cup.
Those wanting to catch the build-up ahead of the match on ITV1 were greeted with an unexpected star leading the broadcaster’s coverage. Rather than programme regular Laura Woods, it was Gary Lineker seen introducing the show in his first appearance on terrestrial television since leaving the BBC last year.
In his intro he complemented the ITV studio and confirmed to viewers it was “real”. The impressive set is actually in America and boasts the real Manhattan skyline as its backdrop.
Gary introduced the build-up(Image: ITV )
Many watching on interpreted the remark a dig at his former employer, the BBC, as their World Cup coverage is delivered from Salford with a green screen background instead.
It turned out the introduction was a staged joke, with Laura quickly stepping in and reminding Gary she was the host. However, she later asked Gary to introduce the ad break.
“Gary Lineker on ITV? It’s like watching a former Eastenders actor turning up on Coronation Street or Emmerdale,” one viewer joked, as a second called the cameo a “master stroke by ITV.”
A third commented: “Gary Lineker on ITV then, opening up the programme then was class, good touch from ITV there.”
Laura Woods let Gary introduce the ad break (Image: ITV)
A fourth added: “Gary Lineker bringing up the itv studio being real backdrop as well as plugging his Netflix show is in Times Square when asked about his itv show. He’s on his own script tonight.”
Not everyone was as delighted to see him back in a presenting chair though, with some threatening to “switch off” over the move.
“Bad decision. Turned straight off one Gary enough 2 unbearable,” one irked football fan said. “Itv putting together the worst panel in history tonight,” another lamented.
Another upset viewer vented: “Thanks for giving me a reason the miss the build up and miss the 1/2 & full time comments.” Another penned: “See Gary Lineker is on, switch straight off!”
Former England striker Gary spent more than two decades fronting Match of the Day and was the BBC’s lead presenter for major international tournaments before stepping away from the corporation in 2025.