Never mind the drama on the pitch, one of the biggest talking points during the opening weeks of the 2026 World Cup has been the on-screen relationship between Alexi Lalas and his fellow FOX Sports pundits Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry.
Lalas, who earned 96 caps for the United States between 1991-1998, has been accused of rubbing Zlatan and Henry up the wrong way during the opening stages of this summer’s showpiece international tournament.
The outspoken Lalas shocked both pundits - along with viewers - on day two of the World Cup by describing British presenter James Corden as a “full kit w***er”.
Days later, Henry was left wide-eyed as Zlatan put Lalas in his place following suggestions France were ‘arrogant’ during the first half of their 3-1 win over Senegal.
And a couple of days after that incident, Ibrahimovic replied “who?” when host Rebecca Lowe announced Lalas couldn’t be with them. The former Barcelona and Manchester United star then said to camera: “America, you are welcome”.
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However, the trio were reunited on Sunday ahead of the Group H clash between Spain and Saudi Arabia - and one humorous incident has gone viral on social media.
Zlatan turned to presenter Rebecca Lowe, who was wearing a black dress, and burned Lalas by saying: “Rebecca, you’re dressed up like you’re going to a funeral. Alexi is alive, don’t worry.”
But Lalas came back with a response that left Henry in stitches. The former defender said:
“Easy, big guy. You look like you should be welcoming people to Fantasy Island. Look at you.”
As the joke finally sank in, Henry turned to Zlatan and echoed “Fantasy Island” before clapping his hands and laughing. Lalas then said: “I got him to laugh! There we go.” Watch the viral clip below:
Fantasy Island is an old television series, aired in the USA during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It featured two main characters, Mr. Roarke and Tattoo, wearing white suits.
"Lalas cooked with that reference,” one person wrote on X (Twitter), while another commented: "Damn, Lalas was quick."
It seems Lalas may have won over some football fans with his quick-witted response to Zlatan.
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The pundits watched on as Spain, one of the pre-tournament favourites, recorded an emphatic 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia at the Atlanta Stadium.
They then watched Belgium play out a goalless draw against Iran at the Los Angeles Stadium.
“The first half, I almost fell asleep,” Zlatan said about the Group G fixture, before adding: “Second half, I fell asleep.”