Alexi Lalas previews the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the film ‘Summer of 94’
American soccer legend Alexi Lalas joins ‘Fox & Friends’ to talk about the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Lalas highlights the cultural significance of the event and reflects on the 1994 U.S. World Cup team. Fox Sports announces a $250,000 donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, matched by Fox Corporation, aimed at growing grassroots soccer.
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Alexi Lalas’ first FIFA World Cup was in 1994, which was also the last time soccer’s biggest tournament was played in the United States.
So, 32 years later, you’re the right person to talk to about what the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) will go through on June 12, when it begins its World Cup schedule against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Lalas, however, did not mince words when discussing his expectations for the USMNT during Fox Sports’ 2026 FIFA World Cup Media Day in New York City.
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Alexis Lalas attends the announcement of the official match schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Washington, DC, on December 6, 2025. (Héctor Vivas/FIFA/Getty Images)
“They cry like a river when it comes to pressure. A lot of whiners. If they complain about the pressure of playing in a World Cup, then they’ve already lost,” he told the media present.
If you listen to Lalas’ analysis on any given match day, words like that shouldn’t surprise you. However, Lalas’ direct nature is because he believes this team is equipped with the talent and resources to do something special at home this time.
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“Let me be a grumpy old man for a while,” he added. “This is a generation that has been given absolutely everything, both on and off the field in terms of resources, in terms of opportunities, in terms of pathways. I don’t think I’m being unrealistic, I don’t think I’m being unfair to say we should expect more from this group.”
Lalas’ broadcast partner Stu Holden shares the same thoughts on the talent this USMNT will possess next month.
“Look, this is a talented group of players playing for some of the biggest clubs we’ve seen in history,” said Holden, who played for the United States during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. “On any given day in the Champions League, a Tuesday or Wednesday, you’ll see eight or nine American players playing in those games. We haven’t had that in our history.
Former professional soccer player and Fox Sports analyst Stuart Holden interviews on the red carpet at the 2026 FIFA World Cup “One Year to Go” event at the Fox Studio Lot in Los Angeles, California on June 11, 2025. (Jessica Alcheh/Image Images)
“The hardest part to really quantify and analyze is how the team will lean into becoming the host. Do they crumble under the pressure or thrive under it? Understand that this is a big opportunity and responsibility, of course, but enjoy the moment. I think if the team can find a way to come together as individuals and play as a team, they can do something special.
“Legacies are defined in a World Cup, and this team will always be looked at and judged by what happens this summer.”
Holden even went so far as to say that it is “absolutely paramount” that the United States win its first match in Group D against Paraguay. And winning at the World Cup is something that Carli Lloyd, who will be among those providing analysis for Fox Sports throughout the tournament, knows very well.
Lloyd has two Women’s World Cup titles under her belt and is one of the most recognized footballers in the country. But she was candid about how important this tournament is to the American men: a talented group that has a chance to become household names rather than the international stars that come their way.
Carli Lloyd of the United States celebrates after scoring her team’s fourth goal during the women’s bronze medal match against Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Kashima, Japan, on August 5, 2021. (François Nel/Getty Images)
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“I think this group needs to do a good job of taking advantage of that pressure, thriving on that pressure, accepting that pressure. You talk to a lot of people here in the United States, ‘Name some soccer players.’ We’ve got the Messis, we’ve got the Ronaldos, let’s talk about some Americans,” he said. “This is the opportunity that some American players have this summer to emerge as stars. This changes Alexi’s life at the World Cup, it changes my life. This is a moment when we can start talking about Weston McKennie. Christian Pulisic is a star, but let’s look at other stars. This summer let’s be proud of this country, and the players have to go out and play well and inspire. We have to have more Americans talking about American players instead of overseas players. That’s the opportunity they have.”
Lalas added: “We, as a nation, should expect more from these young people in terms of the talent they have. And I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t believe they could live up to it. So whatever pressure they feel… it lasts. There’s nothing better playing in a World Cup than playing at home.”
