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.

Cristiano Ronaldo is taking part in what is expected to be his final World Cup in 2026, but his son could continue his legacy from 2030 onwards if he continues on his current trajectory.

Recently turned 16, Cristiano Junior has trained in the youth academies of Manchester United, Juventus and Al-Nassr. He’s also represented Portugal at Under-15 and Under-16 level.

If he continues on that path, he’ll take over from his father, provided the teenager is deemed good enough to play for the senior team eventually. He has already overtaken his 6’2″ dad in height and has scored a huge number of goals in his youth career.

A tug-of-war could break out soon enough as Cristiano Jr could technically ply his trade for five different countries. But who are they and what is the link to Ronaldo’s son?

Ronaldo Jr Has 5 World Cup Nations to Choose From

Portugal

REUTERS/Phil Noble

The most obvious nation the youngster could choose to represent is that of his father. Ronaldo Jr wasn’t born in his dad’s homeland, but looks most likely to choose the 2026 World Cup favourites as his international team.

United States of America

Albert Gea via Reuters

The young forward was born in La Mesa, California. That means he could be donning the colours of the USMNT for the next World Cup. They have been one of the surprise packages of this year’s competition so far, but this would be an incredible coup to snap up the child of one of football’s greats.

Spain

REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Under Spanish law, Ronaldo Jr could apply for citizenship and become a member of Luis de la Fuente’s European champions. This is because he spent more than three years living in the country while his dad was playing for Real Madrid.

England

England stars via Reuters: Sanjin Strukic/PIXSELL/Sipa USA

If he keeps improving and scoring goals, there’s every chance the English Football Association will throw an interested glance in the 16-year-old’s direction. Having a Ronaldo turning out for England would be incredible to see. Again, he could become a British citizen due to the time his father spent at Manchester United.

Cape Verde

Paul Childs via Reuters

The least likely of his future international teams is Cape Verde. That’s if he takes footballing reasons into account. The African minnows have qualified for their second-ever World Cup in 2026, but can’t compete with the four other powerhouses Ronaldo Jr can pick from. However, he is entitled to play for them through his biological grandmother, Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro.