USA soccer legend Alexi Lalas left viewers stunned after appearing to brand Fox colleague James Corden with a crude British insult during a live World Cup broadcast.
The former defender, who earned 96 caps for the United States and is one of Fox’s leading analysts for the 2026 tournament, sparked widespread reaction just two days into the competition with an unexpected on-air remark.
During the build-up to Canada’s clash with Bosnia, presenter Rebecca Lowe introduced a discussion about Corden’s new late-night World Cup programme, After Hours.
“Can we talk about James Corden for a second?” she asked the panel, which featured Lalas alongside football icons Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
No one was prepared for what came next.
Reacting to footage of Corden wearing a complete USA training outfit during a visit to the national team’s camp, Lalas quipped: “Oh! What do you guys call them? Full kit w**r right?”
The comment immediately left his fellow pundits visibly shocked. Henry stared into the camera in disbelief, while Lowe quickly attempted to diffuse the situation.
“Okay… lucky we’re on American television, because the W word on British TV…” she replied, highlighting the cultural differences surrounding the use of certain language.
The clip rapidly spread across social media, with viewers around the world debating whether the comment was harmless banter or crossed the line.
Lalas was referencing a British slang expression used to describe someone who wears a full football kit despite not actually playing in the match. Corden had appeared in a complete Team USA training outfit during a segment on the premiere episode of After Hours.
Although the exact audience figure at the moment of the incident remains unclear, Fox’s opening-day coverage reached a peak of 6.3 million viewers, setting a record for the most-watched men’s World Cup opening match not involving the United States.
The outspoken former defender is no stranger to controversy. During the previous World Cup in Qatar, he drew criticism after wearing a traditional Middle Eastern thobe during a live segment. He has also frequently divided opinion with his outspoken assessments of the US men’s national team.
Corden himself has had his share of controversies. In 2022, he made headlines after being publicly criticised by New York restaurateur Keith McNally, who labelled him “the most abusive customer” his restaurant had ever hosted. The comedian later issued a public apology.
Now back in the United States after leaving The Late Late Show in 2023, Corden has returned to television with his new Fox late-night programme. Actress Mila Kunis appeared as the first guest on the debut episode — mirroring her role as the very first guest when Corden launched his CBS show in 2015.
