He left the Mail on Sunday three months ago over the newspaper's Lord Triesman sting.
Lineker, 49, wrote a column for the paper during his playing career. He said: "I'm really pleased to be part of the News of the World's team. I've got nothing but fond memories of my time at the paper and it's a fantastic opportunity to write for the brightest and the best sports pages in the business."
He joins several other figures from the sport writing for the title, including Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce and former England and Manchester United player Paul Ince.
News of the World sports editor, Paul McCarthy said: "He was an outstanding columnist for the paper during his glittering playing career and now his position as football's most respected pundit makes him the perfect choice to lead the News of the World team into the new season."
Lineker is a presenter on the BBC's Match of the Day and an official ambassador of the 2018 World Cup bid.
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