Zlatan Ibrahimovic is heading to the World Cup after all. The Swedish icon, who retired from professional football in 2023, will make his broadcaster debut as a studio analyst for Fox Sports during the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, the network officially announced Tuesday.
The 44-year-old former striker, renowned for his prolific goal-scoring record and larger-than-life personality, will join the network’s coverage starting June 11, when the tournament kicks off across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Ibrahimovic, who boasts a trophy-laden career with clubs such as AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United, as well as two World Cup appearances for Sweden in 2002 and 2006, is expected to bring a distinctive and unfiltered edge to the broadcast desk.
In a characteristic announcement video posted on social media, Ibrahimovic confirmed his new role with typical fanfare. “I bring the American people some good news,” he stated. “Not only is the FIFA World Cup coming to Fox this summer, so is Zlatan. See you soon, and you’re welcome”.
He had previously teased his involvement with a post on X, declaring, “The 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be the best World Cup of all time! I’m excited to announce that I will be joining Fox Sports in the United States this summer to cover the World Cup”.
Fox Sports President and Executive Producer Brad Zager revealed that securing Ibrahimovic was a top priority for the network’s ambitious plans for the tournament, which will be the first to feature 48 teams.
“Zlatan bringing his signature confidence, perspective and one-of-a-kind personality to our coverage is a huge win for fans,” Zager said in a statement. “We can’t wait to have him with us throughout the tournament, delivering insights like only Zlatan can, for what promises to be must-see television in his first time as a FIFA World Cup analyst”.
Zager elaborated on the recruitment process, telling The Athletic that the former LA Galaxy star was an immediate target. “He was at the top of the list of people we wanted to take swings at for this World Cup,” Zager explained. “We put a blank slate on the board, thinking some were longshots… And Zlatan was one that there was no reason to not take a swing and see if he would be willing to do this”.
He added that Ibrahimovic’s meticulous approach to the role was evident from the start, noting, “He was so detail-oriented about if he is going to do this, he’s going to be good”.
Ibrahimovic’s move to the studio marks a new chapter for the player who is Sweden’s all-time leading scorer with 62 goals. He is no stranger to American audiences, having spent two prolific seasons with the LA Galaxy from 2018 to 2019, where he scored 52 goals in 56 matches.
His presence is expected to bring a compelling dynamic to Fox’s coverage, which will also feature fellow football luminaries such as Thierry Henry and host Rebecca Lowe.