Alexi Lalas insults James Corden during USA World Cup coverage

While the USA men’s soccer team is just a few hours away from starting their 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay, a lot of the pre-game attention has turned toward a viral on-air moment that involved former US soccer star turned analyst, Alexi Lalas.

Lalas was speaking on a pregame panel alongside French soccer legend Thierry Henry, Swedish soccer icon Zlatan Ibrahimovich, and presenter Rebecca Lowe.

Lowe turned to the group and said, “Can we talk about James Corden for a second?” referring to the British comedian whose hosting the FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours with James Corden show throughout the World Cup.

“What do you guys call them? A f****** w*****, right?” Lalas said in a deadpan tone.

While Lalas was clearly trying to be funny, the face that he said it on live television stunned his fellow broadcasters silent, as nobody knew how to react to his words.

Thierry Henry’s mouth was agape, as if he couldn’t comprehend what he had just heard from Lalas.

One would imagine that Corden will be too upset about what Lalas said. For one, he’s a comedian, who have no choice but to have thick skin.

Plus, what Lalas said is often used a term of endearment or affection, if it’s said to or about someone who the person speaking has a good relationship with. And there’s nothing to suggest Corden or Lalas have real beef with each other.

Regardless, these comments have blown up on social media. It will be interesting to see whether Lalas faces any consequences for his comments.

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