Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he will serve as a pundit for the 2026 World Cup, revealing the move in a light hearted social media video that initially teased supporters with the prospect of a managerial comeback.
The 58-year-old has not coached since departing Liverpool at the end of the 2023–24 season and has repeatedly played down expectations that he will return to the touchline, despite being linked with several high-profile vacancies.
Klopp, who has since taken on a senior role with Red Bull as Head of Global Soccer, suggested earlier this year that he might never manage again.
His latest announcement appears to reinforce that stance. In the video, he spoke over clips designed to mimic the familiar rhythms of a managerial unveiling.
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“Many of you have always known better,” he said. “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.”
The reveal came moments later. “Oh? No, not as a manager. I am becoming a pundit for Magenta TV at the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
The appointment means Klopp will be covering the tournament for the German broadcaster as the competition unfolds across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
He has long been regarded as one of Liverpool’s most influential modern era managers, guiding the club to their first league title in three decades and lifting the Champions League in 2019, achievements that cemented his status on Merseyside.
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Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he will serve as a pundit for the 2026 World Cup, revealing the move in a light hearted social media video that initially teased supporters with the prospect of a managerial comeback
|PA
Although he has often been touted as a future national team coach, the former Borussia Dortmund manager will instead be analysing Julian Nagelsmann’s side rather than leading it.
In September he reiterated his sense of contentment away from elite coaching.
Speaking to The Athletic at the time, he said: “That’s what I think. But you don’t know. I’m 58. If I started again at 65, everybody will say, ‘You said you’ll never do it again!’ Er, sorry, I thought 100 per cent when I said it. That is what I think now. I don’t miss anything.”
Klopp has not stepped away from football entirely.
His position with Red Bull gives him oversight of the group’s global network, including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and the New York Red Bulls.
Jurgen Klopp established himself as a Liverpool legend during his time at the club
| GETTYHe also accepted a new post last month with the German Football League, joining Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira.
The DFL said the group will examine youth development, pathways for talented players and ways to strengthen club structures.
Findings are expected to be shared with league committees in spring 2026 before discussions with all 36 clubs.
While Klopp’s future on the touchline remains uncertain, his increasing involvement off it suggests he is content shaping the sport from a strategic distance rather than returning to the day to day demands of management.