US legend calls James Corden a ‘full-kit w*ker’ during live World Cup broadcast

James Corden was catching strays during last night's World Cup coverage.

Friday night's (and Saturday morning, depending on your location) saw the US and Canada host their tournament opening ceremonies in Toronto and Los Angeles. The two star-studded events featured performances from Katy Perry, Tyla and Michael Bublé, as well as a win for the USMNT over Paraguay and Canada's first-ever World Cup point after drawing against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

However, all of this was overshadowed after former US player Alexi Lalas decided to use some choice words to describe comedian and TV presenter Corden.

Lalas, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined Rebecca Lowe's World Cup coverage on Fox, when the presenter took a moment to promote Corden's late-night show, After Hours, which is running throughout the tournament.

"Can we talk about James Corden for a second?" Lowe asked the group.

And the response she got was one for the ages.

Referring to Corden, Lalas branded the Gavin and Stacey actor a 'full-kit w***er' in a surprising jab.

"What do you guys call them?" Lalas began. "A full-kit w***er, right? He’s wearing that thing, he’s all dressed up, ready to go."

The clearly unscripted moment caught the rest of the panel by surprise, with Ibrahimovic managing just a 'Whoa' in response, while Henry stared into the camera looking completely shell-shocked.

Certainly a reaction for the ages, and one to add to the 'iconic Thierry Henry reactions' bank.

Take a look at the moment below:

(WARNING: this video contains strong language)

Did Alexi Lalas just say “wanker” on national TV 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/grKNlK0n4d

— InAllKindsOfWeather.com (@AllKindsWeather) June 12, 2026

"Did he just say that," Henry then muttered to Lowe, who was quick to regain control of the situation.

"Okay… lucky we’re on American television, because the W word on British TV," she replied.

Lowe's probably right, but what a moment.

Viewers at home and online couldn't believe their ears either, with one person writing on X: "Alexi Lalas is on a generational run and we're only 2 days in."

"This world cup is really going to have to do something special to beat this moment," added another, while a third penned: "New meme just dropped LMAO."

For those of you who aren't familiar with the term, a full-kit w***er is a dig at someone (usually an adult) who rocks up in a full football strip, socks and all, despite not playing in a game.

As for Corden, he is yet to respond to Lalas' comment, but I'm sure the 47-year-old will take the comment in his stride – most likely donning a full England kit at some point while presenting his show.

LADbible has reached out to representatives of James Corden for comment.