US broadcaster Fox Sports has found itself the target of widespread online mockery after unveiling its list of the 26 players it believes will define the 2026 World Cup, with critics accusing the network of excessive bias towards its home nation’s team.
The list, featured in a recent World Cup preview segment, immediately ignited a firestorm on social media. Commentators were particularly scathing about the placement of United States captain Christian Pulisic in sixth position, ahead of a host of global superstars and just behind luminaries like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé.
Questionable inclusions fuel criticism
The network’s selections revealed a heavy focus on the US Men’s National Team (USMNT), which contributed four players to the list—more than any other nation. By contrast, tournament favourites such as Spain and England saw only two or three of their standouts included, while players from fellow host nations Canada and Mexico were overlooked entirely.
Beyond Pulisic, the inclusions of Weston McKennie (26th), Folarin Balogun (22nd), and Chris Richards (16th) were singled out as evidence of favouritism. Richards’ ranking, above established international stars like Spain’s Pedri, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes, and England’s Bukayo Saka, drew specific incredulity.
The backlash is set against Fox Sports’ preparation for its most extensive World Cup broadcast ever. The network plans to air 340 hours of programming for the tournament, with a record 70 matches on its main FOX channel. With the US hosting the majority of the 104 matches in the expanded 48-team tournament, the broadcaster is placing a significant emphasis on the home nation’s story, scheduling all three USMNT group stage matches on FOX.
Explaining the USMNT bias
The rationale behind the contentious rankings appears rooted in a combination of player status, current form, and the unique context of a home tournament. In the broadcast, pundits argued that versatile Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, who recently signed a contract extension until 2030, could be the “X factor” for the US team.
Chris Richards, the Crystal Palace defender named U.S. Soccer’s 2025 Player of the Year, was described as the “anchor” of the American defence, justifying his high placement. His club form has been strong, contributing to Palace’s 2025 FA Cup win and European qualification.
The case of Christian Pulisic is particularly nuanced. While the AC Milan forward is in the midst of a 12-game goalless drought for his club and a seven-match drought for his country, he remains Milan’s leading scorer this season with 10 goals in all competitions. Fox’s positioning seems to bank on his proven quality and his status as the reigning U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, anticipating he will peak for the tournament on home soil.
Similarly, striker Folarin Balogun has been in robust form for AS Monaco, with 15 goals this season, reinforcing his role as a primary offensive option for the USMNT.
This domestic focus follows a pattern in Fox’s previous World Cup coverage, which has historically been criticised for leaning heavily on American pundits and catering to a casual domestic audience, sometimes at the expense of deeper football analysis.
A tournament already mired in controversy
The broadcaster’s list controversy adds to a series of pre-tournament disputes. FIFA has confirmed the introduction of three-minute hydration breaks in each half, specifically designed to allow broadcasters to run advertisements—a move criticised for prioritising corporate revenue. Furthermore, the organisation faced significant fan backlash after releasing an official poster that notably omitted Cristiano Ronaldo, forcing its removal.
Off the pitch, human rights organisations have expressed concerns that the event could be used as a “public relations tool” for the US government, calling for protections against racial profiling and unlawful immigration enforcement. There has also been widespread anger over extremely high ticket prices, with category one seats for the final at New York New Jersey Stadium reportedly priced at $8,680.
Online, reaction to Fox’s list ranged from fury to weary acceptance. “The world will learn about America’s delusion in sport. Insufferable!” wrote one critic. Another added, “Four Americans and no Kevin De Bruyne is hilarious… what world do these people live in?”
Some offered a more pragmatic defence, with one user noting, “It’s an American show… Of course they’re going to throw in the American players… And it’s not even that crazy. It’s in America. If they fail/succeed it’ll be a huge headline.” As the tournament approaches, the network’s editorial choices have guaranteed it centre stage in the early World Cup narrative, for better or worse.
