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”.

Lalas Leaves Henry in Stitches With Zlatan Burn

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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:

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.

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.”

Leeds United are making their first moves of the summer transfer window, as reports have emerged over a first bid that has been made for a key target in the market.

It comes as the Elland Road outfit have started to put plans into action for possible arrivals, with Harry Wilson and Julian Brandt viewed as potential free agent signings over the next few weeks.

The duo would come as low-cost options around the peak of their career, but there is also a long-term side to the potential deals on the cards for Daniel Farke.

That’s where Leeds‘ move for Shea Charles comes into view.

Leeds Make Shea Charles Offer

Having previously shown interest in the star, Leeds have revived a possible deal to sign Southampton ace Charles over the coming weeks of the transfer window.

According to Daily Mail journalist Simon Jones, the Whites have made an initial offer for the midfielder worth over £20 million to the Saints to try and tempt a deal.

The 22-year-old has impressed in his time on the south coast, featuring 38 times across all competitions, with six goals and two assists to his name.

Charles is entering the final year under contract at Saint Mary’s, having signed a four-year deal when he joined from Manchester City back in 2023.

The Northern Ireland international has shown plenty of signs that he has all the qualities to play at the highest level, with potential to grow even further.

Leeds appear to be banking on that possibility with a high offer for a player who is entering the last 12 months of their contract, coming as a long-term move to keep the club competing in the top tier.

What Pep Guardiola Said About Charles

Charles came through the academy at Man City, showing plenty of potential before moving on to join Southampton in the Premier League.

The midfielder managed to make his debut for City under Pep Guardiola before moving on, with his single appearance coming in a clash with Brentford.

The manager heaped praise on Charles after his debut, seemingly loving what he saw from the star, despite the eventual defeat to the Bees on the day.

“When you can make your debut, after joining the club at nine years old and grew up to make a debut is the biggest compliment for all the managers he had and the trainers and those that take care of him,” Guardiola said. “I’m pretty sure it’s a big moment for him.

“We know him, he trains quite regularly with us, he’s so good, so composed. For these guys, the best way to give them the opportunity to play is to surround them with the normal team and protection but it’s not easy.

“Shea Charles against this team with top, top strikers, fast and strong, it’s not the easiest debut.”

While he was ultimately free to leave Man City, it was clear that he had a bright future in the game, one that Leeds will be looking to take advantage of.

Manchester United have blocked a possible exit for one of their stars this summer, according to TeamTalk, as European teams eye a potential deal in the transfer window.

The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their ranks, following an impressive second-half of the previous season that saw Michael Carrick guide the team back into the Champions League.

The challenge now is to compete in a similar way in the Premier League, while impressing in Europe as well as the domestic cups when they come around.

Not only is the need for quality there, but depth is also a requirement. It will be costly, with high-profile moves for Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes likely to take up much of the budget.

That’s where some sales could come in, but Man United are adamant that one in-demand star won’t be sold.

Man United Block Benjamin Sesko Exit

One of the stars who is attracting interest is Benjamin Sesko, as TeamTalk reports that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have shown interest in a possible deal for the striker.

Enquiries have been made about the availability of the 23-year-old, but Man United have shown no interest in parting ways with the star this summer.

Both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have used the opportunity to scout the market for possible striker options, due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Julian Alvarez’s future.

As such, Sesko has appeared as a player of interest, but Man United are not envisaging a sale after spending over £70 million to land him from RB Leipzig last summer.

It means both Spanish clubs will need to move on, while the Red Devils plan to build their team around the Slovenian international for the future.

Sesko’s Man Utd Development

After shelling out a huge fee to land Sesko last summer, Man United had to give the star signing some time to get up to speed as he continued to develop.

At such a young age, the striker was always going to need to adjust to the Premier League and the challenges that come with starting regularly for the Red Devils.

In the end, Sesko stepped up and banged in 11 league goals, an impressive return for a debut campaign, and there is hope that more is to come in the future.

By the close of the season, many could see the quality he possesses. Bruno Fernandes described him as a “very good” player, and there’s hope he could become even better.

That will be a driving factor behind keeping Sesko for years to come. The deal was a long-term one, with the future in mind.