Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is set to return to the touchline in a new role during the World Cup – this time as a pundit. The German legend is "tingling" with excitement at the prospect of being back pitchside for the tournament, which is being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Klopp's New Role
Following his departure from Anfield in 2024, Klopp took up the position of head of global football at Red Bull. Now, alongside his ambassadorial duties for Budweiser, the former Reds boss will be sharing his expert analysis from the ground across the Atlantic.
Klopp revealed his role with German broadcaster Magenta TV on social media, teasing supporters with a post that hinted at a return to management. Writing on Instagram in November 2025, the 58-year-old said: "Grass underfoot, stadium atmosphere, very close! Back to the sideline, I'm looking forward to it!"
In the accompanying video, he added: "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."
Confirming his punditry role, Klopp explained: "Oh? No, not as a manager. I am becoming a pundit for Magenta TV at the FIFA World Cup 2026."
He subsequently spoke to German TV presenter Johannes B. Kerner about his new position, adding: "Hi Johannes. I'm in! See you on June 11 in Mexico! Cool sentence. Except for Indiana Jones, probably nobody can say it."
World Cup Coverage
While supporters may feel let down that Klopp is not returning to the touchline, his vast experience will prove invaluable at the prestigious tournament.
The World Cup gets underway with Mexico vs South Africa on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. It appears Klopp will dive straight into his punditry role, having already shared posts on Instagram from Mexico City alongside his Magenta TV colleagues ahead of the opening fixture.
His homeland Germany, meanwhile, will not feature until Sunday, June 14, when they face Curacao at 6pm UK time (1pm ET) in their first match of the competition.
Messages to Former Players
Klopp took the opportunity to wish several former and current Reds the very best at the World Cup, with special mentions for Florian Wirtz, Andy Robertson and Alisson Becker. He said: "I hope Flo Wirtz will have a fantastic, fantastic World Cup. I think he has everything you need to be a standout player."
"I don't want to put any pressure on the boy. I really think he showed already how good he can be in a difficult season. I hope my players will have a great World Cup."
"I hope that Andy Robertson and Alisson Becker can enjoy that when they meet each other. Can you imagine that you play together for such a long time and Scotland qualifies first time, I don't know, since when, for the World Cup, and you meet each other, your friends, your mutual friends, and you meet each other in a game like that? I mean, that must be one of the happiest moments in your life."
Turning his attention to other Reds featuring at the tournament, Klopp added: "I wish Virgil [van Dijk] will have a great tournament. I really wish for Mo [Salah] that he will have a great tournament. I honestly wish that Sadio [Mane] will have a great tournament."
"Macca [Alexis Mac Allister], if he won, if they win it again. It was so nice to see him with a medal around his neck and when he came back to Brighton."
