Fox News pundit brands James Corden a 'w***er' on live TV during World Cup coverage

Fox's World Cup coverage took an unexpected turn on Friday when analyst Alexi Lalas left his fellow panelists absolutely gobsmacked with a rather colourful description of James Corden.

The moment came after a promotional clip aired for Corden's "FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours" programme.

Presenter Rebecca Lowe innocently asked the panel: "Can we talk about James Corden for a second?"

Lalas wasted no time jumping in with his response.

"What do you guys call them? A ... full kit w***** right?" he said.

The American pundit had just deployed one of British football culture's most cutting insults to describe the divisive TV personality – and it's fair to say nobody saw it coming.

The reaction from Lowe and her fellow panelists Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović was one of pure shock.

After taking a moment to compose herself, Lowe quipped: "Okay, lucky we're on American TV."

She went on to explain that the W-word on British television would be a serious problem, making clear just how strong the term is back home.

But it's Henry's response that's really captured the internet's attention.

The Arsenal legend's eyebrows shot up so dramatically that clips of his stunned expression have already gone viral across social media.

Within minutes of the broadcast, Henry had become an instant meme, with viewers sharing his priceless reaction far and wide.

For those unfamiliar with the phrase, a "full kit w*****" is British football slang that mocks any adult who turns up wearing the complete professional playing strip – shirt, shorts, and socks – when they're not actually on the pitch.

It's one of the most withering put-downs in UK football culture.

WHAT did Alexi Lalas say on national TV? 😭 pic.twitter.com/75DFJ7N1zk

— Underdog (@Underdog) June 12, 2026

Viewers watching at home were quick to react on X, with many stunned by Lalas's boldness.

"I dont know if Alexi knows how crazy that is. W***** means J-o. For real, James Corden IS a full kit w****, but wow," one person wrote.

Others actually misheard the comment entirely, with some convinced Lalas had called Corden something even more explicit.

Either way, it's safe to say the American pundit made quite the impression.

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