In a significant broadcasting coup, Fox Sports has secured Arsenal and France icon Thierry Henry as its lead analyst for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement comes just ahead of the tournament's official draw in Washington DC this Friday.
A Major Broadcasting Coup for Fox
Fox Sports, which holds the US television rights, will broadcast all 104 matches of the expanded tournament next summer across its Fox and FS1 channels. The main Fox channel alone is set to show a staggering 69 games. Securing Henry, a World Cup winner and globally recognised football pundit, is seen as a masterstroke for the network's coverage plans.
The 48-year-old legend, who won the World Cup with France on home soil in 1998 and played in four tournaments overall, is already a familiar face to American sports fans. He currently forms part of CBS's acclaimed Champions League coverage team alongside Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher, with Kate Scott presenting.
Henry's Excitement and Immediate Role
Henry will make his Fox debut this Friday, featuring in a three-and-a-half-hour live draw show from the US capital. The event is expected to be attended by former President Donald Trump. Speaking about his new role, Henry said: "It is an honour and a privilege to be a part of the World Cup coverage for FOX Sports. For me, the World Cup is the ultimate sporting event, and joining the team and continuing to be part of the tournament fills me with excitement. Tomorrow's draw in Washington means we are close to the start. I can't wait."
Fox Sports executive Brad Zager added: "Thierry Henry's name is synonymous with the very best of the beautiful game. We are thrilled to add Thierry Henry's distinguished résumé to our roster of talent for the most important World Cup in history, and for viewers to hear from this renowned champion throughout next summer's historic tournament."
Building a Star-Studded Presentation Team
Henry's appointment follows Fox's announcement just 24 hours earlier that Rebecca Lowe, the lead presenter for NBC's Premier League coverage in the US, will also be a host for the tournament. This signals Fox's intent to assemble a top-tier presentation team for the biggest World Cup in history, which has been expanded to 48 teams.
The 2026 edition will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Eleven US cities will stage matches, with the final scheduled for July at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Fox's comprehensive coverage, now spearheaded by one of football's most respected voices, is poised to bring the historic event to millions of viewers across the United States.
