Alexi Lalas Opposes England Winning 2026 World Cup on America's 250th Birthday
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 21
Alexi Lalas Opposes England Winning 2026 World Cup on America's 250th Birthday
9 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 21
New York media day remarks from Alexi Lalas put England at the center of 2026 World Cup banter, with the former U.S. defender saying he can accept any champion except England.
America's 250th birthday sharpened his objection: Lalas said England winning on U.S. soil would be unbearable, even while conceding the squad is "very, very good."
England has won the men's World Cup only once—in 1966—and would need to advance from its group to set up any 2026 meeting with the United States after their 0-0 draw in Qatar in 2022.
Fox Sports' Rebecca Lowe backed England to "come home," and the panel split elsewhere, with Carli Lloyd and Stu Holden picking France while Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez also said England could win.
The exchange came as Fox Sports tied its 2026 buildup to grassroots promotion, announcing a $250,000 donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of America that Fox Corporation will match.
Will a halftime show with global superstars finally help the World Cup conquer the massive American sports market?
Is the USA vs. England World Cup feud genuine rivalry or a brilliant marketing ploy to ignite American interest?
With France favored to win, which nation is best poised for a shocking World Cup victory on North American soil?