ZDF replaces Maybrit Illner talk show with football coverage

The ZDF political talk show Maybrit Illner will not air a new episode on October 1, 2026. In its place, the network will broadcast ‘König Fußball mit Jürgen Klopp’.

The programming shift features coverage of the German national team’s UEFA Nations League Group A2 match against Serbia, held at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The broadcast includes commentary by Oliver Schmidt and expert analysis from former world champion Christoph Kramer, who joins alongside Per Mertesacker. Following the live match, the network will air highlights of other UEFA Nations League games until 23:30.