Jurgen Klopp is returning to football in a larger capacity as a pundit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The former Liverpool manager will be back on the sidelines, offering his expert analysis for German broadcaster Magenta TV during the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
After leaving Liverpool in 2024, Klopp took on the role of head of global football at Red Bull. Now, alongside his ambassadorial work for Budweiser, he will provide on-the-ground commentary. The 58-year-old German icon announced his new role on social media, teasing fans with a post that hinted at a return to management. Writing on Instagram in November 2025, he said: "Grass underfoot, stadium atmosphere, very close! Back to the sideline, I'm looking forward to it!"
In a video, Klopp elaborated: "Many of you have always known better. But I truly couldn't envision it for myself. Going back to the sideline? I don't miss anything. This is what I always thought. But now it is tingling again. Grass underneath my feet. The heated atmosphere in the stadium. And I want to be really close again."
Revealing the nature of his return, Klopp clarified: "Oh? No, not as a manager. I am becoming a pundit for Magenta TV at the FIFA World Cup 2026." He spoke to German TV host Johannes B. Kerner, adding: "Hi Johannes. I'm in! See you on June 11 in Mexico! Cool sentence. Except for Indiana Jones, probably nobody can say it."
The World Cup kicks off with Mexico vs South Africa on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Klopp is expected to begin his punditry duties. He posted on Instagram from Mexico City with his Magenta TV colleagues in anticipation of the opening match. His native Germany will not play until June 14 against Curacao.
Klopp wished his former Liverpool players well, singling out Florian Wirtz, Andy Robertson, Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Alexis Mac Allister. He expressed hope that Robertson and Alisson would enjoy their meeting if Scotland qualifies for the World Cup for the first time in years.
