Lineker Returns to TV Screens
Former England striker Gary Lineker made a surprise return to television on Saturday, opening ITV's coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 clash between Germany and Ivory Coast. The Match of the Day host, who has taken a reduced role in recent years, was back in the punditry chair alongside fellow ex-pros to dissect the Group E encounter.
Lineker's appearance was a welcome sight for viewers, but it was his outspoken views on two major talking points that stole the show: a damning verdict on a controversial refereeing decision elsewhere in the tournament, and a blockbuster claim about England captain Harry Kane.
'Incomprehensible' Decision Sparks Fury
Without mentioning the specific match by name, Lineker expressed disbelief at the decision to deny Scotland a penalty in their group stage defeat to Morocco. Referee Ilgiz Tantashev waved away strong appeals after John McGinn went down in the box, with reports later emerging that the official told McGinn's brother Stephen that the ball was judged to be going out of play before the contact.
"That is genuinely one of the most incomprehensible decisions I've ever seen at a World Cup," Lineker fumed. "The ball was still in play, there was clear contact, and yet VAR didn't intervene. It's baffling. FIFA have to address this – the consistency in applying the laws is completely missing."
The incident has reignited debate over the effectiveness of the Video Assistant Referee system, with many fans and pundits calling for more transparency around decision-making. Lineker's comments, as one of the BBC's most recognisable voices, will only add to the pressure on football's governing body.
Lineker's Bold Harry Kane Prediction
Shifting focus to England's campaign, Lineker then made headlines by backing Harry Kane to write his name deeper into the history books. The Three Lions are yet to play their second group fixture, but Kane is already being tipped to challenge the all-time World Cup goals record.
"I genuinely believe Harry Kane will finish this tournament as the top scorer – and not just that. If England go deep, he could match or even break the record of 16 goals set by Miroslav Klose. He's that good, and this team creates so many chances for him," Lineker stated.
Kane currently has 6 World Cup goals to his name across previous tournaments, but his phenomenal goal-scoring form for club and country this season has convinced Lineker that the 32-year-old is peaking at the perfect moment. "He's a complete striker – he drops deep, he links play, and he's relentless in the box. There's no one I'd back more to deliver on the biggest stage."
Key Takeaways
- Gary Lineker returned to television on ITV for Germany vs Ivory Coast, using the platform to criticise a controversial refereeing decision in Scotland's match against Morocco.
- Lineker labelled the decision to deny Scotland a penalty as "incomprehensible", highlighting ongoing concerns over VAR consistency.
- The ex-England striker made a bold prediction that Harry Kane could break the all-time World Cup goals record if England progress far in the tournament.
- Lineker's high-profile comments are likely to fuel further debate around officiating standards at the tournament, while putting pressure on Kane to deliver.
Quick Facts
Match: Germany vs Ivory Coast, FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E
Broadcaster: ITV (UK)
Gary Lineker role: Pundit for ITV's coverage
Harry Kane's World Cup goals: 6 (prior to 2026 tournament)
Record to beat: 16 goals (Miroslav Klose, Germany)
Source: FourFourTwo
