Gary Lineker, the former England striker and podcast host, faces potential barriers to entering the United States due to his outspoken social media activity. After securing a major deal with Netflix for his podcast The Rest Is Football, plans to broadcast from the 2026 World Cup in the US could unravel if visa issues arise from his criticisms of President Donald Trump.

Visa Hurdles Stem from Social Media Scrutiny

Lineker, aged 65, departed the BBC last year after a long tenure on Match of the Day. His move to Netflix includes hosting the podcast from major events, with the US World Cup as a key focus. However, proposed changes by US Customs and Border Protection could complicate this. These rules, outlined in December, mandate that UK travelers submit their social media history from the past five years.

Officials state the policy aims to protect national interests by screening for potential threats. Reports highlight cases where tourists faced visa revocations at borders after authorities discovered anti-Trump memes on their devices. Experts warn that public expressions of anti-American sentiments online may lead to entry denials.

Lineker shows no signs of altering his approach. Just last Sunday, he posted to his 1.4 million Instagram followers, calling Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace—responsible for overseeing the Gaza peace plan and global peacekeeping—’unashamedly vain’ and ‘absurd.’ He also shared a satirical video from the group Led By Donkeys critiquing the initiative.

Netflix Executives Voice Deep Concerns

Insiders at Netflix express significant worry over Lineker’s posts, fearing they could jeopardize his US access. The planned New York-based World Cup coverage, set for June, relies on his presence. Legal teams have raised alarms about visa approval, noting the potential for denial given Lineker’s left-leaning views, which starkly contrast with Trump’s.

A source close to the production explains: ‘This would be disastrous and very, very costly, not to mention deeply embarrassing. Imagine if the President targets Gary—he’s the polar opposite politically. It could become a high-profile stand-off.’

Further complications arise from Netflix’s pursuit of Warner Bros Discovery. Executives believe Lineker’s criticisms of Trump and his administration might be seen as broader attacks on the US, potentially influencing the deal’s approval, especially if the President intervenes.

The source adds: ‘Lineker’s direct challenges to Trump and his government create perceptions that could ripple into business matters. His social media activity has turned into a major frustration for the team.’

Lineker’s past with the BBC underscores these risks. In March 2023, he faced suspension for likening UK asylum policies to 1930s Germany. His exit last May followed a post on Zionism featuring an anti-Semitic trope illustration, for which he issued an unreserved apology.

Internal Tensions Over Beckham Family Coverage

Beyond visa worries, Lineker encounters criticism within his own company, Goalhanger Podcasts. Staff accuse him of hypocrisy in handling the Beckham family drama. Following Brooklyn Beckham’s Instagram post targeting his estranged parents last month, Lineker’s team rushed an ’emergency episode’ of The Rest Is Entertainment to discuss the claims.

While other outlets produced similar content, insiders at Goalhanger view the move as exploitative. They point to Lineker’s outrage last year when media published photos of him vacationing in Mexico with his daughter-in-law, decrying privacy invasions.

One team member notes: ‘He slammed the press for his own photo but jumped on the Beckham story immediately. At least two colleagues voiced concerns about profiting from the family feud, but it fell on deaf ears.’

Co-host Richard Osman opted out of the episode, leaving Marina Hyde to present solo. Though Osman later touched on the topic, he emphasized his disinterest in the saga. The insider observes: ‘Osman stood by his principles—Lineker could learn from that approach.’

Lineker’s blend of high-profile projects and bold online commentary continues to stir debates, balancing professional ambitions with personal convictions.