FOX Announces Final Decision On Alexi Lalas

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

FOX Announces Final Decision On Alexi Lalas

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Jul 1, 2026 8:23 PM ET

Fox Sports has heard the Alexi Lalas criticism.

Lalas, the former U.S. men's national team player, is the top soccer analyst for Fox Sports, during the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup. It's a role Lalas is quite familiar with. He's been one of the leading voices of soccer coverage in the United States for more than a decade.

But Lalas, 56, has faced criticism for his commentary during the World Cup, with one of his former teammates calling him "unwatchable" at times.

"I think it's been unwatchable at times," his former USA teammate Eric Wynalda told "The Soccer Media Podcast."

"Yeah, I think, I mean, I think a lot of people feel that way. I mean, Alexi is, kind of true to the Fox brand, has been told: this is what we need you to do, start a fight, say some things, insult some people, say something outlandish that no one will believe, and we'll see how many people will click into that. I think the American public has grown up now. I think our community, our soccer community is way too knowledgeable to fall for that anymore."

Alexi Lalas has a lot of critics. (Photo by Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

But while Lalas has been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism during the World Cup, Fox Sports is standing by him.

Fox Sports Eric Shanks calls Lalas a "cornerstone" who will be around for a long, long time.

Fox Sports stands by Lalas during World Cup

Shanks did an interview with Puck’s John Ourand released Wednesday and he made it clear that Lalas isn't going anywhere, despite his vocal critics.

“Lex has been the cornerstone of our soccer coverage for as long as I can remember,” Shanks said, per Awful Announcing. “He’s the straw that stirs the drink, and he’ll be the cornerstone for many years to come.”

Lalas has been a big part of FOX's 2026 World Cup coverage.

On game days, Lalas has joined host Rob Stone and analysts Clint Dempsey and Carli Lloyd on location for USMNT games. On non-game days, he's been in the studio, working with FOX's main team of Rebecca Lowe, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Lalas has been a huge part of FOX's World Cup coverage and, despite his ongoing critics, it's clear that his big role will continue.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: