Gary Lineker is set to leave the BBC after the 2026 World Cup.
The former England striker has presented Match of the Day since 1999.
However, Lineker is now understood to be planning to step away from his hosting duties with the broadcaster.
He will also stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of this season.
The 63-year-old is then set to leave the BBC completely following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
He will remain a part of their FA Cup coverage for the 2025/26 season, though, as part of an 18-month contract extension, the report adds.
His new deal takes Lineker’s tenure through to the next major international tournament in less than two years time.
Meanwhile, he will have presented Match of the Day for 25 years by the time he steps down next summer.
Lineker replaced Des Lynam in the role in 1999 after moving into punditry and presenting following his playing career.
His BBC tenure has also included work for Radio 5 Live, They Think It’s All Over and Grandstand.
He even had a brief stint as part of the broadcaster’s golf coverage, fronting live action from the Masters and The Open.
Lineker’s exit comes just a month after he made a cheeky joke about his future on Match of the Day.
After suggestions he would announce his departure sooner rather than later, he could not resist poking fun at the speculation.
Opening the show, Lineker said: “Hello, seven games on the way and it’s my final show… before the international break.”
His final show for real is now expected to come on the final day of the Premier League season on May 25.
