Alexi Lalas Previews 2026 FIFA World Cup and Movie ‘Summer of ’94’
U.S. soccer icon Alexi Lalas recently shared insights on the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He underscored the event’s cultural significance and reminisced about the U.S. team from the 1994 World Cup. In an exciting initiative, Fox Sports has pledged a $250,000 donation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, which will be matched by Fox Corporation, aimed at fostering grassroots soccer.
While there’s no definitive frontrunner for the 2026 World Cup, Lalas had a clear opinion on who he doesn’t want to see win. “Honestly, I don’t care who takes the trophy, just as long as it’s not England,” he remarked during an appearance at Fox Sports’ Media Day in New York City. He expressed a strong sentiment about the potential of England winning on American soil, especially considering it would coincide with the 250th anniversary of what he views as the greatest country in the world.
“If they were to come here and win the World Cup, I can’t even imagine the aftermath,” Lalas lamented. He made it clear he hoped for any outcome but an English victory.
The rivalry between the U.S. and England reached a new peak in 2022 when they faced off in the Qatar group stage, resulting in a tense 0-0 tie. However, to meet again in the next tournament, both teams need to advance through the group stages.
Lalas acknowledged England’s formidable talent, admitting, “They’re really, really good. It grieves me to say it, but they are.” He humorously highlighted the unpredictability in football, wishing for someone other than England to emerge victorious.
His colleagues at Fox Sports also weighed in with their predictions. For instance, Rebecca Rowe, who has long supported England, shared her hopes. “I’ve been dreaming about them winning since 1990,” she noted, adding that her loyalty might become a bit of a double-edged sword.
Commentators Carli Lloyd, Stu Holden, and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez also shared their thoughts. Hernandez picked England, but he also wished for his home nation, Mexico, to take the trophy. Meanwhile, Lloyd and Holden leaned toward France, who lost a close final to Argentina in 2022. “The French team keeps evolving and getting stronger,” Holden remarked.
With the tournament approaching and high expectations for the U.S. men’s national team to shine on home turf, the overall competition promises to be electrifying. The diverse pool of talent from around the world complicates predictions, reminding everyone that anything can happen in football.
