As preparations accelerate for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, early punditry has already ignited passionate debate regarding tournament favorites. During Fox Sports’ FIFA World Cup 2026 Media Day in New York City, analyst Alexi Lalas made headlines with his unequivocal stance: he hopes “anybody but England” claims the trophy. Lalas, a founding member of the U.S. Men’s National Team and a decorated figure in American soccer history, linked his sentiment to the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence. He emphasized his pride in hosting the global tournament while expressing a personal aversion to historic football rivalries unfolding on American soil. His comments reflect the intense national pride often associated with hosting a World Cup, where local broadcasters and fans frequently root against traditional powerhouses to maintain home-field momentum and protect national narratives.
The U.S.-England football rivalry has long been a defining storyline in international soccer, culminating in a tightly contested 0-0 draw during the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. While both nations will need to navigate their respective groups to potentially meet again in 2026, Lalas remains skeptical of an English victory despite acknowledging their elite status. He openly conceded that the current English squad is exceptionally talented, stating, “As much as it pains me to say, they are very, very good.” His reluctance to watch his historic rivals win on American soil underscores the emotional weight of international competition, even among seasoned analysts who understand the sport’s global dynamics.
Opposite to Lalas’s sentiments, Fox Sports host Rebecca Lowe expressed full support for the English team. A native of West London, Lowe has followed international football for decades and has long anticipated her country’s return to World Cup glory. She outlined a playful wager with Lalas: if England wins, he must concede; vice versa if they fall short. Her optimism is shared by some of the game’s most prominent figures. Mexican striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez voiced hopes for his home nation’s performance while conceding England’s chances, reflecting the complex dynamics of tri-nation hosting. Meanwhile, former U.S. Women’s World Cup champion Carli Lloyd and Fox Sports analyst Stu Holden pointed to France as the tournament’s strongest contender. Both cited the French national team’s remarkable depth, youth development systems, and psychological resilience, drawing parallels to France’s redemption arc after missing a World Cup spot in 2011 before dominating in 2015.
The 2026 tournament marks a pivotal moment for U.S. soccer and North American sports infrastructure. As the primary host nation, the American men’s team will enter the competition with unprecedented resources, stadium infrastructure, and fan support. Lalas and his broadcast colleagues acknowledged that while historical precedent favors established European and South American powers, the modern game has become increasingly unpredictable. The upcoming championship will test the U.S. squad’s tactical maturity against elite international competition on a global stage. As broadcast teams finalize their predictions, the tournament looms as a landmark event in football history, with implications extending far beyond the pitch into commerce, diplomacy, and the growing cultural footprint of soccer in North America.