Fox Sports is doubling down on star power ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing together two of the most dominant athletes in their respective sports for a unique digital content series. Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion and Fox's marquee NFL analyst, will join forces with Swedish soccer legend Zlatan Ibrahimović in a conversation titled Zlatan x Brady: GOATS on GREATNESS. The series, which will be released in clips across Fox's social media platforms before the full hour-plus discussion drops on Tuesday, May 26, is timed to the same day the U.S. men's national team unveils its World Cup roster.
The collaboration between Brady and Ibrahimović marks a strategic move by Fox to leverage its most recognizable personalities as the network prepares for the largest logistical undertaking in its history. With the World Cup spanning 16 host cities across three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—Fox will broadcast all 104 matches, with 70 on the main broadcast network and 34 on FS1, from June 11 through the final on July 19. The network has assembled an all-star studio lineup that includes Thierry Henry, Clarence Seedorf, Peter Schmeichel, Chicharito, Alexi Lalas, Carli Lloyd, Clint Dempsey, and Landon Donovan, with Rebecca Lowe and Rob Stone serving as hosts.
Brady's role in the World Cup coverage, however, goes beyond this digital series. According to Fox Sports president Brad Zager, the former quarterback has been instrumental in recruiting talent to the network. Zager told The Athletic that Brady has shared his positive experiences at Fox with prospective hires, making the network a more attractive destination for big names in sports media. This internal advocacy is part of a broader effort by Fox to build relationships with key figures ahead of the World Cup, a strategy that was evident last summer when Brady and Fox owner Rupert Murdoch were seen together at the FIFA Club World Cup final in the box of then-President Donald Trump alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Brady's growing ties to soccer
While Brady is best known for his legendary NFL career, his connection to soccer runs deeper than many realize. In 2023, Brady acquired a minority stake in Birmingham City, an English Football League club, through his investment firm. He has also publicly spoken about the need for American soccer to develop its own generational star, a theme that resonates with his own journey from a sixth-round draft pick to the greatest quarterback of all time. Brady's involvement with Fox's World Cup coverage is a natural extension of his interest in the sport, even if his current role is primarily digital. Fox executives have indicated they may connect Brady with James Corden's late-night World Cup show on the network if the opportunity arises.
Ibrahimović's impact on World Cup coverage
Zlatan Ibrahimović, signed by Fox in March as one of the centerpieces of its World Cup studio coverage, brings a personality and pedigree that few analysts can match. The Swedish striker, who played for clubs including Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, LA Galaxy, and AC Milan, is known for his charisma, confidence, and memorable one-liners. His presence in the studio is expected to add a dynamic, unpredictable element to Fox's coverage. Ibrahimović's career spanned over two decades, during which he scored more than 500 club goals and won numerous league titles. His international career with Sweden included 121 appearances and 62 goals, making him the country's all-time leading scorer.
Fox's decision to pair Brady and Ibrahimović in a digital series is a savvy move to capture the attention of both American football and soccer fans. The series, with its title referencing the term "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time), is designed to spark debate and draw in viewers who may not typically tune into soccer coverage. The hour-long conversation is expected to cover topics such as greatness, leadership, success, failure, and the mental toughness required to excel at the highest level. Clips from the conversation will be rolled out across Fox's social media channels in the days leading up to the full release.
Fox's massive World Cup undertaking
Fox's World Cup coverage is unprecedented in both scale and scope. The network is investing heavily in production, with dozens of broadcast teams stationed across the three host nations. The 104-match schedule includes three group-stage matches per day during the opening phase, with kickoff times staggered to maximize viewership across time zones. Fox's studio shows will originate from multiple locations, including a primary set at a central hub in Dallas, Texas, with additional remote contributions from other cities.
The studio lineup announced Tuesday is one of the most star-studded in World Cup history. Thierry Henry, a World Cup winner with France in 1998 and a hero at Arsenal and Barcelona, will provide tactical analysis. Clarence Seedorf, who won the UEFA Champions League with three different clubs, brings a wealth of international experience. Peter Schmeichel, Denmark's legendary goalkeeper, offers insights from between the sticks. Chicharito, Mexico's all-time leading scorer, gives a Latin American perspective, while Alexi Lalas brings his trademark straight-talking analysis and deep knowledge of the American soccer landscape. Carli Lloyd, a two-time World Cup winner with the U.S. women's national team, adds a unique perspective on greatness and title-winning mentality. Clint Dempsey, a former U.S. men's national team star and a beloved figure in American soccer, provides on-the-ground analysis. Landon Donovan, the most decorated American soccer player, rounds out the panel with his wealth of experience.
Rebecca Lowe, the British-born host who has become a cornerstone of Fox's soccer coverage, will anchor the studio shows alongside Rob Stone. Their chemistry and expertise ensure that Fox's World Cup coverage will be both informative and entertaining.
Brady's broader role at Fox
Since joining Fox in 2024 as the lead NFL analyst alongside Kevin Burkhardt, Brady has quickly become one of the network's most valuable assets. His presence on the network's Sunday afternoon NFL broadcasts has drawn high ratings and critical acclaim. Beyond his on-air duties, Brady has been involved in talent recruitment and strategic planning, helping Fox navigate the ever-changing media landscape. His stake in Birmingham City also gives him a unique perspective on soccer, which he has used to advocate for the sport's growth in the United States.
Brady's influence was felt at the FIFA Club World Cup final last summer, where he and Murdoch shared a box with Infantino and Trump. That meeting signaled Fox's intent to leverage its star power to build relationships with FIFA officials and other key stakeholders. Brady's involvement with Fox's World Cup coverage, even in a limited digital role, further solidifies his position as a trusted representative for the network.
The digital series with Ibrahimović is the first concrete example of Brady's involvement in Fox's World Cup programming. While no further plans currently exist to use Brady in on-air World Cup coverage, Fox executives have left the door open for additional appearances, particularly on James Corden's late-night show. Corden's program, which will air during the World Cup, is expected to feature a mix of comedy, interviews, and soccer-related segments. Brady's star power and charisma would be a natural fit for the show.
The significance of the May 26 release date
The decision to release the full interview on May 26 is strategic. That day, the U.S. men's national team will announce its 23-man roster for the World Cup. Roster reveals are always a major talking point among soccer fans, and Fox is likely hoping to capture that attention by releasing the Brady-Ibrahimović conversation on the same day. The overlap between Brady's NFL fanbase and the growing American soccer audience is significant, and the interview is designed to appeal to both groups. The clips released earlier in the week will build anticipation, ensuring that the full episode becomes a must-watch event on the day of the roster announcement.
The series is expected to be promoted heavily across Fox's platforms, including its website, app, and social media channels. Fox also plans to cross-promote the interview during its NFL coverage, which will still be airing before the start of the World Cup. This cross-platform approach is designed to maximize reach and engagement.
As the World Cup draws closer, Fox's coverage will intensify. The network has already begun airing promotional spots featuring its studio analysts, and the digital series with Brady and Ibrahimović is just the first of what is likely to be a series of content releases leading up to the tournament. Fox is also planning to produce several documentary-style features on teams and players, as well as behind-the-scenes looks at the host cities. With its star-studded roster of analysts, its massive production infrastructure, and its strategic use of personalities like Brady and Ibrahimović, Fox is positioning itself to deliver what could be the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in American television history.
Source: Yahoo Sports News