FOX Analysts Recap 48-Team World Cup, Highlighting Fans, Tributes and U.S. Discovery
Updated
Updated · FOX Sports · Jul 19
FOX Analysts Recap 48-Team World Cup, Highlighting Fans, Tributes and U.S. Discovery
3 articles · Updated · FOX Sports · Jul 19
Summary
Ahead of Sunday’s final, FOX Sports analysts Zlatan Ibrahimović, Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas picked their defining moments from the 2026 World Cup as the largest 48-team edition closed.
Ibrahimović singled out the fans, saying singing, tears and celebrations across cultures made the tournament special and showed how football connects people.
Henry pointed to emotional scenes — Alexi Lalas during the USA-Paraguay anthem, England’s exit, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, and Cristiano Ronaldo honoring Diogo Jota — while also mourning Jayden Adams.
Lalas said the USA’s first-game anthem captured 32 years of progress and became a starting point for visitors and Americans to rediscover U.S. culture through the World Cup.