Gary Lineker to join ITV as pundit for 2026 World Cup

Gary Lineker 將加入 ITV 擔任 2026 世界盃評論員

Jun 19, 2026, 21:51
UKSports

Introduction

Gary Lineker will appear as a guest pundit for ITV during the 2026 World Cup, specifically for the match between Germany and Côte d’Ivoire.

Gary Lineker 將在 2026 世界盃期間以客座評論員身份出現在 ITV，特別是德國對陣象牙海岸的比賽。

Main Body

This role marks Lineker's first return to terrestrial television after ending his twenty-six-year career with the BBC. This change was caused by his early departure in May 2024, which followed disagreements over his social media behavior and alleged breaches of editorial rules regarding a post about Zionism. Although Lineker said he regretted the post, the conflict led to the cancellation of his roles for the FA Cup and the current World Cup.

這次角色標誌著 Lineker 在結束於 BBC 的 26 年職涯後，首次重返地面電視。這一變動源於他在 2024 年 5 月提前離職，原因是其社交媒體行為引起爭議，以及被指在一篇關於猶太復國主義的貼文中違反編輯準則。儘管 Lineker 表示對該貼文感到遺憾，但此次衝突導致他失去了足總盃及本次世界盃的相關工作。

At the same time, Lineker continues his deal with Netflix for 'The Rest Is Football,' a production by Goalhanger Podcasts. Reports suggest that Netflix paid £14 million to host this content during the tournament. Lineker is joining ITV as a pundit rather than a presenter, while ITV is currently performing better than the BBC in viewership ratings. Furthermore, Lineker has criticized the BBC's decision to broadcast from Salford, whereas he prefers ITV's on-site setup in Brooklyn.

與此同時，Lineker 繼續履行與 Netflix 關於《The Rest Is Football》（由 Goalhanger Podcasts 製作）的合約。報導指出，Netflix 在賽事期間支付了 1,400 萬英鎊來承載此內容。Lineker 加入 ITV 是擔任評論員而非主持人，而 ITV 目前的收視率表現優於 BBC。此外，Lineker 批評了 BBC 在索爾福德進行播出的決定，他更傾向於 ITV 在布魯克林的現場設置。

Conclusion

Lineker will join the ITV broadcast in Brooklyn this Saturday, representing a significant change in his professional career during the tournament.

Lineker 將於本週六在布魯克林加入 ITV 的轉播，這代表他在本次賽事期間的職業生涯發生了重大變化。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The 'Contrast' Jump: Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

At the A2 level, you probably use 'but' for everything. To reach B2, you need to show a variety of ways to connect opposing ideas. This article is a goldmine for this transition.

🛠️ The Upgrade Path

Look at how the text connects different facts. Instead of just saying "He is not a presenter, but a pundit," it uses more precise tools:

  1. Rather than →\rightarrow "...as a pundit rather than a presenter"

    • B2 Logic: Use this when you are choosing one specific option over another. It sounds more professional than "not this, but that."

  2. Whereas →\rightarrow "...broadcast from Salford, whereas he prefers ITV's on-site setup"

    • B2 Logic: Use this to compare two different situations or people in one sentence. It is the "academic cousin" of "but."

  3. Although →\rightarrow "Although Lineker said he regretted the post..."

    • B2 Logic: This allows you to put a 'surprise' or a 'concession' at the start of your sentence. It tells the reader: "Even though X is true, Y happened anyway."

💡 Quick Application Guide

A2 Style (Basic)B2 Style (Fluid)
I like tea, but I don't like coffee.I prefer tea rather than coffee.
The BBC is old, but ITV is newer.The BBC is traditional, whereas ITV is more modern.
It was raining, but we went out.Although it was raining, we went out.

Pro Tip: Start your next paragraph with "Although..." or "Whereas..." to instantly signal to an examiner that you have moved beyond basic English.

Vocabulary Learning

pundit (n.)
An expert who is frequently called upon to give their opinion on a particular subject to the public, especially on television or radio.
Example:The football pundit analyzed the team's tactical errors during the halftime break.
terrestrial (adj.)
Relating to television or radio signals that are transmitted via land-based antennas rather than by satellite or cable.
Example:Many people still rely on terrestrial television for the evening news.
departure (n.)
The act of leaving a place, a job, or a particular way of behaving.
Example:The sudden departure of the CEO surprised the entire company.
breach (n.)
An act of breaking or failing to follow a law, agreement, or code of conduct.
Example:The company was sued for a serious breach of contract.
editorial (adj.)
Relating to the preparation and selection of content for publication in a newspaper, magazine, or broadcast.
Example:The journalist had to follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure the story remained neutral.
viewership (n.)
The number of people who watch a particular television program or channel.
Example:The final episode of the series saw a massive increase in viewership.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→