Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has secured a prominent role as a pundit for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, just weeks after returning to football in England. The 40-year-old Ecuadorian legend will join Telemundo Deportes, a Spanish-language broadcaster under the NBC Sports Group, as part of their expert panel for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Valencia Joins Stellar Punditry Line-Up
Valencia will be joined by Real Madrid icon Guti and Mexican star Andres Guardado in the studio. The former winger-turned-right-back announced the news on social media, expressing his gratitude and excitement. He wrote: "I want to thank God for this new stage, and @TelemundoSports for the trust; I'll try to give my best. See you at the World Cup 2026."
Telemundo Deportes also shared the announcement, stating: "The Legends team is taking shape! A lot of history and talent in Telemundo's first expert reveal for the World Cup. Who do you think will complete the team? Enjoy the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting June 11 on Telemundo and Peacock TV."
Manchester United Legacy
Valencia remains a beloved figure at Manchester United, where he spent a decade from 2009 to 2019, making 339 appearances and scoring 25 goals. During his tenure, he won two Premier League titles, several domestic cups, and a Europa League trophy. He also captained both United and the Ecuador national team, earning 99 caps for his country.
In his retirement announcement in 2021, Valencia reflected on his time at Old Trafford: "God gave me the opportunity to join Manchester United. I will never forget everything I experienced at Old Trafford. I will never forget every goal, every trophy, and the wonderful fans."
Return to England with Wythenshawe AFC
Earlier this month, Valencia came out of retirement to sign for Wythenshawe AFC, joining other former Premier League stars such as Emile Heskey and Danny Drinkwater. Now, he will observe as several current United players represent their nations at the World Cup.
