The Rest Is Football Comes to Netflix for the 2026 World Cup | Daily Show Announced
In an unprecedented move that reshapes sports media and football commentary, the hugely successful podcast The Rest Is Football is officially heading to Netflix as a daily television show for the entirety of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The transition marks a landmark moment not only for the hosts — Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards — but also for the rapidly evolving world of digital sports entertainment. What began as a conversational football podcast has transformed into a global brand, drawing millions of listeners every month. Now, its leap to streaming television arrives just in time for what promises to be the largest World Cup in history.
Filmed Live From New York: A New Home for the Trio
For the duration of the tournament, Lineker, Shearer and Richards will be stationed in a brand-new Netflix studio in New York City, the buzzing centre of the 2026 World Cup. Filming from NYC places the series at the crossroads of American culture, global media, and international football enthusiasm.
It serves as a symbolic hub for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Several major fan zones, sponsor events and global media operations will be based there.
The location injects new energy and global flavour into the show.
The hosts have expressed excitement about broadcasting from the United States, emphasising how the setting will bring freshness, scale, and international flair to their trademark mix of football talk and humour.
A Daily World Cup Show: What Viewers Can Expect
Unlike the weekly podcast format, the Netflix adaptation will deliver daily episodes, each filmed and released within the same 24-hour cycle to ensure the content remains fresh, reactive and deeply connected to the rapidly unfolding drama of a major tournament.
Key Features of the Show Include:
⚽ Comprehensive Match Analysis
In traditional The Rest Is Football style, fans will receive:
Tactical breakdowns
Player performances
Surprise upsets
Managerial talking points
VAR controversies
Fan reactions from around the world
🎙️ Guest Interviews
Expect appearances from:
Former international players
World Cup legends
Managers, coaches, analysts
Celebrities with a passion for football
Influential figures from U.S. sports culture
📡 Behind-the-Scenes Tournament Insights
Netflix promises an all-access approach that showcases:
Insider stories
Team news
Tactical leaks
Dressing room dynamics
Pre- and post-match reactions
🇬🇧 Frontline Reporting from the England Camp
Special segments will feature England-focused updates:
Training camp coverage
Injury reports
Player press conferences
Buzz from the England fan zones
Daily atmosphere from stadiums hosting England games
This will be especially significant for UK audiences, who historically crave comprehensive England coverage during major tournaments.
A Breakthrough for the Podcasting World
The Rest Is Football has quickly risen to become one of the most influential sports podcasts globally, delivering more than 7 million monthly streams in 2025 alone. The jump to Netflix elevates the brand far beyond audio, placing it on one of the world’s largest streaming platforms — accessible to more than 280 million subscribers.
The Podcast-to-TV Evolution
The shift reflects a broader industry trend:
Podcast brands evolving into multimedia franchises
Demand for informal, personality-driven football coverage rising exponentially
Netflix’s decision to invest in the series highlights the growing power of football content that blends:
Expert analysis
Banter and humour
Candid storytelling
Real-time reactions
Cross-continental accessibility
Gary Lineker on the New Chapter
Football icon and lead host Gary Lineker described the move as a “massively exciting opportunity,” emphasising that the Netflix partnership allows the team to bring their format to an even larger international audience during the world’s most-watched sporting event.
Lineker said viewers can expect:
The same honest, unfiltered conversations
Sharp analysis
Plenty of humour and personality
Daily energy and real-time reactions
He highlighted that the fast-paced nature of tournament football calls for daily content — something the podcast cannot fully achieve, but the Netflix show can.
The Chemistry That Made the Show a Global Hit
Part of the appeal of The Rest Is Football has always been the chemistry between its three hosts. Each brings a different dimension:
Gary Lineker
Former England captain
One of the most respected presenters in sports broadcasting
Brings credibility, experience and sharp insight
Alan Shearer
Premier League’s record goalscorer
Straight-talking pundit
Known for his honest criticism and classic humour
Micah Richards
Former England and Manchester City defender
Beloved for his laughter, energy, and joyful storytelling
Brings a younger, playful dynamic
Why the Trio Works
Their ability to blend:
Authentic football insight
Humour
Storytelling
Friendly debate
…has made the podcast essential listening for fans worldwide.
The Netflix version aims to amplify this chemistry on screen.
Produced by Goalhanger: A Trusted Creative Team
The show is produced by Goalhanger, a media company co-founded by Lineker. The firm is behind several hit podcasts, and its expansion into television underscores its growing influence in digital-first entertainment.
WME’s Role
Talent agency WME brokered the deal between Goalhanger and Netflix, reflecting the increasing demand for innovative sports programming ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Why This Move Matters for Football Media
This collaboration is more than entertainment — it signals a transformation in how the World Cup will be experienced.
1. The Rise of Daily Fan-Centric Football Shows
Fans crave immediate analysis, personality and relatability — not just traditional punditry.
2. Streaming Platforms Are Becoming Sports Destinations
Netflix’s investment in live-adjacent sports content hints at future ambitions.
3. Football is More Global Than Ever
With the 2026 World Cup spread across three countries, the sport’s audience is expanding into massive North American markets.
4. The Podcasting Boom Continues
Converting audio brands into visual formats is the new frontier.
The 2026 World Cup: The Biggest Tournament Yet
As context, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be:
Hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada
The largest World Cup in history with 48 teams
Spread across 16 host cities including Los Angeles, Toronto, Mexico City, New York, Seattle, Vancouver and more
Major storylines expected:
England’s pursuit of their first World Cup title since 1966
The United States building on their growing soccer culture
New nations appearing due to expanded qualification
The final hosted in either New York or Dallas
This environment makes a daily show like The Rest Is Football perfectly positioned to capture the moment.
How UK and Global Fans Will Benefit
UK Fans
Daily updates centred around England
Familiar voices and British humour
Accessible during UK-friendly viewing hours
International Fans
A chance to experience British-style football debate
Cultural crossover between American sports and global football
Diverse guest list featuring U.S. personalities
Younger Audiences
Faster pace
More casual, entertaining format
Social media-friendly clips
The Announcement: Made Directly on Today’s Podcast Episode
Fans learned of the Netflix expansion during the show’s latest episode. The hosts hinted at “something big” before confirming the news, sparking immediate excitement across social media.
Fan reactions include:
Celebration of the trio going global
Questions about behind-the-scenes access
Curiosity about potential guests
Predictions for England’s World Cup journey
Looking Ahead: A Milestone for Football Commentary
The move of The Rest Is Football from podcast to daily Netflix show represents a watershed moment for football media. It reflects:
Shifting fan expectations
The power of conversational sports storytelling
The global appeal of Lineker, Shearer and Richards
The rise of streaming platforms as essential sports hubs
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the series is poised to become one of the tournament’s defining media experiences.
