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Those hoping to watch Shakira, Burna Boy and more musical stars kick at the 2026 World Cup were greeted with a harrowing sight on Thursday afternoon: Alexi Lalas' analysis.
While music supernovas traipsed onto one of world sport's greatest venues, Estadio Azteca, Lalas and his fellow analysts were on camera. Fox opted to give Lalas and his colleagues screen time at the expense of the opening ceremony in Mexico City.
Whereas those watching on Spanish-speaking programs were granted access to Shakira and Burna Boy's showcase, English-speaking audiences were left scratching their heads. Social media was filled with criticism towards Fox, the latest in a string of soccer-related controversies that have embroiled the network.
With that, here's what you need to know about Fox's decision to not broadcast Thursday's opening ceremony.
MORE: Shakira, Belinda, J Balvin shine at Mexico World Cup opening ceremony
Fox catches early criticism for ignoring live opening ceremony
Fox asserted itself as the home of the 2026 World Cup in the weeks and months leading up to the tournament. Its decision to spurn broadcasting the opening ceremony in favor of showing Rebecca Lowe, Alexi Lalas, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic discussing the U.S. men's national team proved curious, then.
What will be the @USMNT starting XI against Paraguay?@stuholden and @clint_dempsey break down the potential lineup 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/JnLrWTmlBE
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 11, 2026The performance, headlined by international superstars Shakira, Burna Boy, J Balvin and Tyla, was available to watch on Telemundo, an NBC subsidiary. Fox subscribers, meanwhile, were left waiting, unable to see some of the world's biggest musical acts christen the start of a new tournament. Suffice to say, many were peeved by the network's decision.
Yo FOX where the opening ceremony at 💔#Worldcup2026 #Worldcup
— ワイロケンぞく🇭🇹 (@wyolkens_) June 11, 2026Disastrous start by Fox. No opening ceremony and almost no footage from Mexico City. Just endless talking heads at an empty stadium in LA.
— Shawan Libang (@Shawan96libang) June 11, 2026I can't believe Fox just entirely skipped the opening ceremony. Embarrassing start to the World Cup. Why skip it? Because it's in Mexico? Will they show tomorrow's opening in full?
— Sam (@fentymiletti) June 11, 2026Players warming up on the pitch and no opening ceremony shown yet. Under 40 minutes until kickoff. Jesus Christ I wish I had never been raised an England supporter. International tournaments are unbearable here because football isn’t the main sport. Fuck off, FOX.
— Brittany Young (@BrittanyYoungx) June 11, 2026Fox would rather show hour 3 of Alexi Lalas rambling instead of the opening ceremony
— USMNTrev (@Eyesandvibes) June 11, 2026MORE: Complete 2026 World Cup schedule | Injured players in danger of missing the World Cup
Why did Fox not broadcast World Cup opening ceremony?
It's unclear why Fox opted to show Thursday's opening ceremony. All signs pointed to the network broadcasting the spectacle. Fox even released a guide on how to watch all three opening ceremonies, stating that English-language coverage would be available on Fox and FS1.
That didn't seem the case for the masses of U.S.-based viewers, however.
Fox's coverage at World Cups has proven a lightning rod for criticism in recent years. If Thursday's outing is any indication, not much appears to have changed for the Rupert Murdoch-founded company.
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