Just two days into Fox’s World Cup coverage, some viewers in the United States are already wondering whether Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are growing frustrated with fellow analyst Alexi Lalas.
Henry and Ibrahimovic arrived on the panel with towering reputations. Henry, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, is widely regarded as one of the finest strikers of his generation. Ibrahimovic, although he never lifted the trophy with Sweden, built an extraordinary club career across Europe with spells at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and several top Italian sides.
Lalas, for his part, remains one of the most recognizable figures in American soccer. The former defender earned 96 caps for the United States and played at the 1994 World Cup, the last time the men’s tournament was held on American soil.
But in his television role, Lalas has long been known for leaning into strong, often divisive opinions. That approach has made him a familiar and sometimes controversial voice, not only in soccer circles but also in political discussion, where he has openly supported Donald Trump. On a panel now featuring two global stars of the sport, however, the chemistry has not appeared entirely natural so far.
One moment that drew attention came when Lalas suggested on air that Norway and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland could ultimately be remembered as more “legendary” than Ibrahimovic if he delivers at a World Cup.
Henry reacted with a playful edge, turning to presenter Rebecca Lowe and saying, “That’s a big statement.” Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, offered a measured but pointed response: “I’m not sure about that. I saw myself more all round. He’s a killer in the box, but that’s enough.”
The early days of the FOX World Cup coverage has had fans talking about some viral moments
Many think there’s tension between Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic with Alexi Lalas
One fan shared that clip on X and wrote: ‘I feel second hand embarrassment as an American. If he was a good pundit, it would be different.
‘Like this is so cringe, Zlatan was a lot more complete (than Haaland) with the ball at his feet and was 1 of 1 with his flexibility and acrobatics at his size.’
Later, before the first USA game against Paraguay, Ibrahimovic and Lalas jibed each other with the Swede accusing Lalas of trying to put pressure on the host team.
‘They have all the support they need. I have Alexi beside me so, if he doesn’t put too much pressure on them,’ Ibrahimovic said before Lalas started laughing.
Then as Lowe started to introduce a commercial break, Ibrahimovic and Lalas continued to disagree whether there was pressure or opportunity ahead of the USA team.
‘Hang on chaps, we’ve got to go,’ Lowe said, mid-segment.
A different fan posted that moment saying: ‘The constant awkwardness of this commentary team has been the best thing about the World Cup.’
Plenty replied to discuss the exchange, with one saying: ‘Zlatan constantly goading Alexi is fantastic.’ Another said: ‘Happy to see someone else noticed.’
Rebecca Lowe and Thierry Henry were stunned by Lalas using the W-word live on air
Lalas, top row, third left, played 96 times for the United States during the 1990s
After his playing days, Lalas has become one of USA’s most familiar soccer analysts
Then, when Ibrahimovic was asked about the anticipation for the opening USA game, he replied: ‘Everybody is getting a little bit nervous except for me and Thierry Henry. We’re used to the big stage.’
Shortly after, Henry got in on the act when Lowe asked the panel for their verdict on the performance of the World Cup song ‘Goals’ by LISA in the opening ceremony.
It was a great performance,’ Ibrahimovic said. ‘I really enjoyed it, I enjoyed the music. I hope the US team can perform at the same level.
‘We’re at the future on the pitch, we’re at the present here,’ he added,’ before Henry interjected: ‘And Alexi is part of the past.’
The clip was even shared by the Fox Sports social media account, captioned: ‘Thierry Henry takes a friendly jab at Alexi Lalas’.
The American has had one of the most viral moments of the first two days, though.
During the build-up to the game between Canada and Bosnia, Lowe steered the crew towards a promo for Corden’s new late-night World Cup show, After Hours.
‘Can we talk about James Corden for a second?’ she asked the panel, which comprised Lalas and two soccer legends, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Lalas was the first to chime in, but it’s fair to say nobody expected the comment he then produced in front of millions of TV viewers.
‘Oh! What do you guys call them?’ Lalas began, before adding: ‘Full kit w****r right?’
Henry won the World Cup with France and is considered one of the best strikers ever
Ibrahimovic enjoyed a dominant career at club level with multiple teams in Europe
All three of his colleagues were immediately stunned by the comment, with Henry staring down the camera in shock.
Lowe, sensing the need to steer the conversation back to normality, then replied: ‘Okay… lucky we’re on American television, because the W word on British TV…’
Lalas’s comment referenced a derogatory British slang phrase that refers to someone who dons a full kit despite not playing in a match.
In a segment on the first episode of the show on Thursday night, Corden appeared in a full USA training kit for a visit to the team’s training base ahead of the World Cup.
