Gary Lineker's The Rest is Football podcast finds new home with Club World Cup deal also struck as England icon swiftly puts BBC exit behind him

The podcast, co-hosted by Lineker alongside fellow former England players Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, has grown a loyal fanbase for its mix of football insight, light-hearted banter, and behind-the-scenes stories from the game. Under the new deal, DAZN will carry the video version of the show, integrating exclusive content from the Club World Cup.

Speaking on the new collaboration, Pete Oliver, DAZN’s CEO of growth markets, said: "The Rest Is Football is essential viewing and listening for fans who want insight, entertainment, and personality — and this partnership is a brilliant way to bring the Fifa Club World Cup even closer to that audience. It’s about connecting global football with the voices fans trust and love, and showing the tournament in a fresh, exciting, and authentically British way."

Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZN

Stream now

The move to DAZN comes on the heels of Lineker’s highly publicized departure from the BBC, where he had served as a central figure in football broadcasting for over two decades. His exit was precipitated by a social media post that drew criticism due to its use of imagery perceived as antisemitic. Lineker issued a full apology, but the damage to his position at the BBC had already been done. His final appearance on Match of the Day aired on May 25, ending a 26-year association with the program and its parent broadcaster.

Reflecting on his final episode, Lineker said: "I was a bit tired, and a bit emotional last night, I’m fine. I’m good, and thank you both for your very kind words last night. I must say, when they played the montage, obviously, I knew something was coming, but I didn’t know what it was at all.

“(I was) struggling to keep myself (together), especially when I saw my boys, you know what it’s like when it’s family and stuff, and thankfully that wasn’t the last clip, because I’d gone at that point, I needed time to get myself together to try and get through the end of the show."

Lineker was expected to remain with the BBC to present both next season’s FA Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, those plans have now been scrapped. The broadcaster has confirmed that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan will take over hosting duties from next season.

The inclusion of the Club World Cup highlights in The Rest Is Football show will add a whole new element for fans of Lineker's podcast. DAZN is the global rights holder for the 32-team tournament, which will kick off on July 15 in the United States.