As reported by The Standard, former USMNT star Alexi Lalas delivered an unexpected and expletive-laden insult directed at TV personality James Corden during live World Cup coverage on Fox, leaving fellow panelists stunned. The incident unfolded on Friday as the broadcast panel reacted to a promotional video for Corden’s new after-hours show.

The controversial remark came after a video package advertising “FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours with James Corden” concluded. Presenter Rebecca Lowe then turned to Lalas, asking for his thoughts on the British television star. Lalas, who earned 96 caps for the US national team between 1991 and 1998, did not hold back.

A ‘full kit w****r’ comment sparks shock

“Can we talk about James Corden for a second?” Lowe began, setting the stage for the unscripted moment. Lalas quickly responded, referencing Corden’s attire in the promotional material, where he was seen dressed in a full Team USA training kit.

“What do you guys call them? A … full kit w*****, right?” Lalas stated, before adding, “He’s all dressed up and ready to go.”

Read also: World Cup referee accused of white power gesture during broadcast

The term “full kit w****r” is a British slang phrase used to mock an adult who wears an entire sports uniform in public, often considered an unusual or mockable display of fandom. The comment immediately caused a stir among the panel, which included football legends Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, both visibly taken aback by Lalas’s bluntness.

Panel caught off guard by the remark

Lowe quickly interjected, acknowledging the cultural impact of the term. “Okay, lucky we’re on American TV,” she remarked, before explaining the severity of the insult across the Atlantic. “Because the W-word on British TV, uh-oh.”

The unexpected outburst quickly became a talking point on social media, with fans reacting to both Lalas’s comment and the stunned expressions of his co-panelists. Several posts on X highlighted Henry’s reaction in particular, with one fan noting, “Thierry Henry’s reaction is sensational,” and another adding, “Thierry Henry could not believe that.”

Corden’s “FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours” show premiered on Thursday and is scheduled to run through July 15, offering additional World Cup content for viewers. The Standard reports that Lalas’s candid assessment has certainly added an unexpected layer of entertainment to Fox’s World Cup coverage.

Read also: "Very dark outlook": Neymar’s 2026 World Cup dream hanging by a thread

Read also: The pink boot phenomenon at the World Cup