Carli Lloyd is stepping into the broadcast booth for the 2026 Men's World Cup, and she's bringing the same fiery, unfiltered approach that defined her legendary playing career. The two-time World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist will join FOX's coverage team, and she's already made one thing crystal clear: she won't sugarcoat a thing.
Lloyd, widely regarded as one of the greatest women's soccer players in U.S. history, has never been shy about criticizing her own team. She faced backlash for calling out the USWNT during their 2023 World Cup struggles, but she stands by every word. “The women weren’t playing well and it was obvious to everybody,” Lloyd recalled. “I’d have to live under a rock if I didn’t call them out for some of the things that were going on.”
Now, as she prepares to analyze the men's side, Lloyd promises to hold them to the same high standard. She's not interested in celebrating mediocrity or simply being happy with a group-stage exit. “Why do we want to keep rinsing and repeating the same thing?” she asked, according to Awful Announcing. “You know, ‘Let’s get out of the group. Let’s get to the round of 32 … and, you know, kind of bow out at the round of 16.’ At some point, we got to push further.”
That kind of blunt talk is exactly what USMNT fans might need to hear, especially after recent disappointments. The team has struggled to break through on the global stage, and Lloyd isn't alone in wanting more. Former U.S. star Clint Dempsey recently warned that the USMNT faces a potential group stage disaster in 2026, adding pressure on the squad to perform on home soil.
Lloyd's no-nonsense style could ruffle some feathers, but she's not worried about making friends in the booth. “At some point, we got to push further,” she said, echoing the sentiment of many U.S. soccer fans who are tired of moral victories. Her message is clear: it's time for the men's team to raise the bar, and she'll be there to call it like she sees it.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, kicks off next month. FOX will air all matches live, and Lloyd's presence ensures the commentary will be anything but boring. Whether the USMNT thrives or stumbles, viewers can expect honest, passionate analysis from a player who knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
As the soccer world turns its attention to the tournament, Lloyd's willingness to speak her mind adds an extra layer of intrigue. She's already proven she won't back down from criticism, and that's exactly the kind of energy the sport needs right now.
