Alexi Lalas, known for his unfiltered opinions, may have crossed a line during Fox's World Cup coverage. While discussing comedian James Corden on the set of FIFA World Cup Live, Lalas appeared to call Corden a "f***ing wanker," drawing immediate shock from his co-hosts.
The moment came during a lighthearted segment ahead of the Canada vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina match. Lalas, alongside Rebecca Lowe, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was joking about Corden when he let the phrase slip. While he might have intended to say "full kit wanker" — a common soccer insult — the audio left little doubt about what was actually said.
Lowe's jaw dropped, and Henry's eyes widened in disbelief. The pair seemed more taken aback by the British slang "wanker" than the near-miss F-bomb, but the incident quickly went viral on social media.
"Alexi Lalas just called James Corden a 'f***ing wanker' on live TV and the reactions were incredible. Hero moment for him, IMO," one user posted on X, sharing a clip of the moment.
Lalas has always been a polarizing figure in soccer commentary, and fans had a field day with the gaffe. "Henry must be so confused as to why he has to co-host TV shows with Alexi (expletive) Lalas," one viewer joked. Another wrote, "Haha holy (expletive) this is what it's all about folks," while a third added, "Zlatan low key loved it."
Despite the colorful language, Lalas likely avoided any FCC penalties since he didn't explicitly say the full curse word. However, the incident adds to his reputation as a commentator who doesn't hold back — a trait that endears him to some and irritates others.
Fox has not commented on the moment, but it's safe to say the network's standards and practices department may be reviewing the tape. For now, fans are enjoying the chaos, with many calling it one of the most entertaining moments of the World Cup coverage so far.
Meanwhile, other World Cup stories are making headlines, including a math whiz who nailed three straight World Cup winners and Landon Donovan's bold new hairpiece that stole the show. And for fans planning to watch matches in person, nine US states have loosened alcohol laws for the tournament.
As for Lalas, knowing his personality, he might just double down on the remark. Whether you love him or hate him, he's certainly not boring.
