Zlatan Ibrahimović joins Fox Sports as World Cup analyst

The Swedish soccer star will bring his legendary personality to the network's coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:40pm

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Fox Sports has signed Zlatan Ibrahimović, the iconic Swedish soccer player, as a studio analyst for its coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ibrahimović, known for his legendary on-field performances and memorable off-field quotes, will join a star-studded lineup that includes Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas. Fox pursued Ibrahimović aggressively, seeing him as a perfect fit to bring his unique personality and insights to the network's World Cup coverage.

Why it matters

Ibrahimović's addition to Fox's World Cup coverage is a major coup for the network, as he brings a level of star power and entertainment value that few other analysts can match. His larger-than-life persona and ability to generate headlines will likely make him a must-watch for viewers, helping to drive interest and engagement in Fox's World Cup programming.

The details

Fox began pursuing Ibrahimović last fall, seeing him as one of the top targets to join their World Cup coverage team. The 44-year-old striker, who retired in 2023 after a storied career that included stints with top clubs like AC Milan and the LA Galaxy, will make his studio debut when the World Cup kicks off on June 11. He will be a consistent presence throughout the tournament, providing analysis and commentary alongside other high-profile hires like Thierry Henry and Rebecca Lowe.

  • Fox began pursuing Ibrahimović last fall.
  • Ibrahimović will make his studio debut when the World Cup begins on June 11, 2026.
  • Ibrahimović retired from professional soccer in 2023.

The players

Zlatan Ibrahimović

A legendary Swedish soccer player who is known for his on-field accomplishments and memorable off-field quotes. He played for top clubs like AC Milan and the LA Galaxy, and will now join Fox Sports as a studio analyst for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Brad Zager

The president of Fox Sports, who led the network's efforts to sign Ibrahimović as a World Cup analyst.

Thierry Henry

A former French soccer star who will also join Fox Sports' World Cup coverage team as a studio analyst.

Alexi Lalas

A longtime American soccer analyst and commentator who will be part of Fox Sports' World Cup coverage team.

Rebecca Lowe

A host who is on loan from NBC to join Fox Sports' World Cup coverage team.

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What they’re saying

“'He was at the top of the list of people we wanted to take swings at for this World Cup.'”

— Brad Zager, President, Fox Sports

“'When you buy me, you are buying a Ferrari. If you drive a Ferrari, you put premium petrol in the tank, you hit the motorway and you step on the gas. Guardiola filled up with diesel and took a spin in the countryside. He should have bought a Fiat.'”

— Zlatan Ibrahimović

What’s next

Fox Sports will continue to build out its World Cup coverage team in the lead-up to the tournament, which kicks off on June 11, 2026 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The takeaway

Zlatan Ibrahimović's addition as a studio analyst for Fox Sports' World Cup coverage is a major coup for the network, as he brings a level of star power, entertainment value, and soccer expertise that few other analysts can match. His larger-than-life personality is sure to captivate viewers and drive interest in Fox's World Cup programming.