While Richards will take on a prominent role following Lineker’s departure from The BBC last year, his involvement with the Goalhanger podcast – alongside former Match of the Day colleagues Lineker and Shearer could be affected- as the show will be presented from New York. During Euro 2024, the then-BBC trio recorded their TRIF episodes over in Berlin, but the corporation’s decision to stay based in the UK for the World Cup, combined with Lineker’s exit, has created logistical challenges for filming together at this summer’s tournament. Although the BBC has informed pundits they are free to pursue other media projects during the World Cup, it will not cover the associated costs.

Consequently, Richards and Shearer may need to have their travel expenses and arrangements covered by Goalhanger or Netflix, who struck a £14million deal to stream the podcast on its platforms last month. Given that Shearer will be stationed in North America on co-commentary duties for the BBC, he could potentially meet Lineker in person for The Rest Is Football throughout the tournament.

However, Richards may need to contribute to recordings through alternative means. This shouldn’t pose a significant problem for the former Manchester City player, given that many episodes of the podcast are recorded remotely, with Lineker, Shearer and Richards connecting via video call rather than gathering in-studio.

The current Match of the Day presenting team of Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan are anticipated to be stationed in Salford, shouldering the majority of the BBC’s presenting responsibilities for the World Cup. However, they may venture to North America during the latter stages of the competition to broadcast from the venue.

Although Lineker was originally scheduled to conclude his Match of the Day presenting duties at the close of 2024/2025 while continuing to front the FA Cup and 2026 World Cup for the BBC, circumstances shifted in May when the 65-year-old became embroiled in online controversy.

Lineker faced backlash on social media after sharing a post about Zionism that featured an illustration of a rat – imagery that has historically been employed as an anti-Semitic slur. While Lineker clarified that he hadn’t noticed the image and wouldn’t have shared the post had he done so, he acknowledged that he ought to have exercised greater caution before re-posting it on social media.

He added: “However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”

Consequently, Lineker not only relinquished his presenting role on Match of the Day, but also severed all ties with the BBC, forgoing the chance to cover the 2026 World Cup for the broadcaster.