The report says Lineker will join ITV for the Group E fixture, working as a commentator rather than a presenter. The broadcast is scheduled to begin at 20:00 BST, with kick-off an hour later in Toronto.
His arrival adds a familiar voice to a lineup that already includes Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Juan Mata and Ange Postecoglou. It also gives ITV a high-profile figure with extensive World Cup experience, even if his role is expected to be limited to this assignment.
Lineker’s main base at the tournament has been linked with Netflix, where he is presenting daily episodes of *The Rest Is Football* alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer. That arrangement is reportedly not exclusive, allowing him to take on work with a rival broadcaster.
The move underlines Lineker’s continued influence across football media. He remains one of the most recognisable presenters in the British game, but this marks a shift from his traditional role as the central host to a position focused on analysis and commentary.
The appearance also carries extra weight because Lineker’s long association with the BBC ended earlier than expected. He had been due to lead the broadcaster’s 2026 World Cup coverage before his departure was brought forward following controversy over a social-media post and a subsequent apology.
ITV’s decision gives him an immediate return to a major international tournament. The next question is whether the Germany-Ivory Coast assignment becomes a one-off cameo or the beginning of a broader role across the competition.