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See Tom Cruise, Katy Perry & More Stars at U.S. 2026 World Cup Opener
Alexi Lalas made a shocking pass at James Corden.
The soccer analyst called the former Late Late Show host a not-suitable-for-work name during a live pregame World Cup broadcast while trying to promote his show After Hours with James Corden.
"What do you guys call him?” Lalas asked co-hosts Rebecca Lowe, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovi of the comedian on the June 12 Fox broadcast. “A full-kit w----r, right?"
Though Lalas’ dig seemed unintentional, it certainly threw his fellow co-hosts for a loop, prompting him to clarify, "He's all dressed up and ready to go?”
Clearly taken aback, Henry chimed in, "Did he just say that?"
Meanwhile, Lowe pointed out that because the vulgar term is more well-known overseas, she hopes Lalas is in the clear with Fox execs.
"Lucky we're on American television," she said, noting that the "W-word on British TV” is a big no-no.
Though Corden found himself on the receiving end of Lalas’ joke, he’s also delivered a quip or two that didn’t exactly land with audiences. After all, he ruffled a few feathers after making a NSFW joke about legendary actress Judi Dench and famed immunologist Anthony Fauci.
“Tonight is the one night that Hollywood and science come together,” Corden said while presenting an award at the 2025 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, per a video obtained by the Daily Mail. “Other than, of course, that one magical evening where Dr. Fauci had a one-night stand with Dame Judi Dench.”
Photo by John Nacion/FOX Sports via Getty Images, Photo by Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images
E! News previously reached out to Corden, Fauci and Dench’s reps for comment but did not hear back.
And the joke wouldn’t mark Corden’s first onstage controversy. Indeed, he came under fire after making an obscene joke about Harvey Weinstein’s sexual abuse controversy.
Days later, he apologized for the wisecrack.
“To be clear, sexual assault is no laughing matter,” Corden wrote on X (formerly Twitter) amid the ongoing backlash. “I was not trying to make light of Harvey’s inexcusable behavior, but to shame him, the abuser, not his victims.”
“I am truly sorry for anyone offended,” he continued, “that was never my intention.”
For all the stars at the 2026 World Cup, read on…
Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images
Katy Perry
The Grammy nominee lit up SoFi Stadium like a firework June 12 by performing her song "Wonder" alongside Tius Luka before kickoff.
Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Tom Cruise & David Beckham
The Mission: Impossible star and soccer legend signed autographs as they watched Team USA take on Paraguay June 12.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Paris Hilton
The reality TV heiress? She thinks soccer is hot.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
Tyla
The "Water" singer made it hotter during her U.S. World Cup opening ceremony performance.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Rob Lowe
The Parks & Recreation alum was lit'rally stoked to watch the U.S. soccer stars take the pitch on June 12.
John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images
LISA
How you like that? The BLACKPINK singer performed "Goals" during the U.S. World Cup opening ceremony on June 12.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Elmo & Cookie Monster
The Muppets were out to support the soccer stars... let's just hope Rocco doesn't show up to Los Angeles Stadium.
Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Ryan Reynolds
The Deadpool star was in the stands at the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto June 12.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Josh Peck
The Drake & Josh actor is ready to cheer with fellow fans—and he may just add in a "Hug me brotha!" if he witnesses a goal.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Jaafar Jackson
The nephew of Michael Jackson moonwalked his way into Los Angeles Stadium to watch Team USA take on Paraguay.
Kelvin Kuo/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Future
The rapper was decked out in patriotic colors as he arrived for his performance at the U.S. World Cup opening cereminy.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Becky G
The Brazilian musician attended to watch Team USA vs. Paraguay.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Christen Press & Tobin Heath
The former U.S. Women's National Team players—and current couple—showed up to support their male counterparts.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Jaxson Dart & Marissa Ayers
The New York Giants quarterback and his girlfriend prove their love for fútbol in Los Angeles.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Gerran Howell & Taylor Dearden
The Pitt actors left the emergency room and headed to Los Angeles Stadium to watch Team USA.
Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
Shakira
On June 11, the "Waka Waka" singer returned to the World Cup to perform the event's "Dai Dai" in Mexico City during the first of three opening ceremonies.
Carl Recine/Getty Images
Burna Boy
The Grammy winner joined Shakira on their World Cup duet "Dai Dai."
Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
Salma Hayek Pinault
The Oscar nominee officially welcomed the Mexico City crowd ahead of the Mexico vs. South Africa match on June 11.
Hector Vivas/FIFA via Getty Images
J Balvin
The "Loco Contigo" singer performed a medley of his hits during the opening ceremony in Mexico City June 11.
Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
Andrea Bocelli & EJAE
The Italian opera legend and KPop Demon Hunters star joined together to perform the World Cup's official anthem "DNA" together at Mexico's opening ceremony.
Luke Hales/Getty Images
Danny Ocean
The "Me Rehúso" singer made history as the first Venezuelan artist to perform at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony during the Mexico vs. South Africa game.
Ezra Shaw - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Alanis Morissette
You oughta know the Canadian icon performed the national anthem during Canada's opening ceremony in Toronto June 12.
Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images
Michael Bublé
The Grammy winner sang a cover of Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home to Me" before Canada's June 12 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Courtesy of Michelob ULTRA
Shay Mitchell
Ahead of the U.S. World Cup opening ceremony, the Pretty Little Liars alum picked out a jersey at the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club in Santa Monica, Calif.
Courtesy of Peacock
Anthony Ramos
The Twisters star cheered on Mexico at Peacock and Telemundo's World Cup watch party on June 11.
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