The USMNT’s World Cup opener on Fox: Smiles, swearing and Sesame Street The United States men’s national team’s World Cup debut against Paraguay on Fox Sports was a spectacle unlike any previous international soccer broadcast. The network’s coverage blended sports analysis with pop culture, celebrity cameos, and irreverent humor, creating an experience that felt more like a Hollywood production than a traditional football match. From the outset, the broadcast was designed to appeal to a broad audience, incorporating elements that would resonate with casual fans and longtime supporters alike. The event kicked off with a mix of nostalgia and modern flair, as Fox’s coverage featured throwback footage from the 1994 World Cup, a time when the U.S. team made its historic run to the quarterfinals. The network also brought in high-profile figures like NFL quarterback Tom Brady and NFL star Patrick Mahomes, who made appearances in promotional segments. The inclusion of Sesame Street characters Elmo and Cookie Monster added a whimsical touch, with Cookie Monster offering advice to the U.S. team: “Don’t crumble under pressure.” The broadcast’s tone was set by Alexi Lalas, a former U.S. national team player and Fox commentator, who opened the coverage with a memorable line: “This is fun. If you cannot have fun, I have no time for you.” Lalas’s irreverent style continued throughout the event, including a moment where he jokingly referred to James Corden as a “full-kit w*,” a remark that left co-host Rebecca Lowe and studio analyst Thierry Henry momentarily stunned. Lalas, a member of the 1994 World Cup squad, aimed to bring the same loose, entertaining energy to the broadcast that defined that iconic tournament. The coverage extended beyond the stadium, with cameras capturing fans in the streets, parking lots, and even on the red carpet.#tom_brady #patrick_mahomes #fox_sports #usmnt #elmo
