Rusty Weiss
Fox Sports analyst and U.S. Soccer legend Alexi Lalas made his feelings crystal clear during the network’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Media Day in New York City.
While acknowledging that there is no overwhelming favorite heading into the tournament, Lalas declared he doesn’t care who wins — as long as it isn’t England.
Lalas’ Patriotic Plea: ‘Anybody But England’
The former U.S. national team star expressed strong opposition to the idea of England lifting the trophy on American soil, particularly during the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration.
“I don’t care who wins as long as it’s not England,” he said. “I can abide by a lot of things happening this summer, but one thing I cannot is having England come over on our shores, on our 250th birthday of what I feel is the greatest country in the world, and for them to win a World Cup.”
ANYONE, BUT ENGLAND: Lalas on his World Cup pickhttps://t.co/i4bGhqk1Fu#AlexiLalas #FOXSports #WorldCup #WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/0Z9IytNyWb
— Michael Lewis (@Soccerwriter) May 21, 2026
Look, as tough as that would be, I’d reckon the United States winning an important contest back in 1776 would be the ultimate ‘scoreboard.’ Just sayin’.
Lalas went on to suggest England would be “insufferable” if they won the World Cup.
“If you think they’re insufferable now, could you imagine they came over and won that World Cup and it’s coming home through our country,” he continued. “I cannot have that, so anybody but England.”
The light-hearted commentary was certainly amusing.
England’s Strong Squad Makes Lalas’ Nightmare Scenario Even Worse
Lalas, known for his passionate patriotism, also conceded that England possesses a very strong squad this year.
“They’re really good,” he added. “As much as it pains me to say, they are very, very good. The soccer gods have a wicked sense of humor. Please not England, anybody but England.”
Lalas’ comments came during a lively panel discussion that also featured British host Rebecca Lowe, who naturally hopes for and predicted an England victory.
“Every four years of my play since 1990, I think about England winning the World Cup,” she said after Alexi’s rant. “So, I’m now getting to a stage where if I now go against them, they’re going to do it.”
“I’m going to be courageous. It is going to come home.”
The two are setting up what promises to be an entertaining on-air rivalry throughout the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, kicks off amid significant national celebrations.
