A Legendary Career Meets the Ultimate Stage
Thierry Henry, a name synonymous with soccer greatness, is set to bring his wealth of experience to the world of sports broadcasting. A World Cup champion with France, a Champions League winner with Barcelona, and an iconic “Invincible” with Arsenal, Henry’s storied career has seen him achieve heights few can match. Now, he will join FOX Sports as a lead analyst for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026. This move not only adds a significant star to the network’s roster but also ensures that viewers will have the unique insight of one of the sport’s greatest minds.
The Announcement and the Anticipation
FOX Sports announced the addition of Henry to its broadcast team on a Thursday, marking a significant moment for soccer fans and the network alike. Brad Zager, the President of Production & Operations/Executive Producer at FOX Sports, expressed his excitement, stating, “Thierry Henry’s name is synonymous with the best of the beautiful game. As one of soccer’s elite, we are elated to add Thierry’s distinguished resume to our talent roster for the biggest World Cup ever and for viewers to hear from this renowned champion throughout next summer’s historic tournament.” Henry’s debut on FOX Sports will take place on Friday, December 5, when the network presents the FIFA World Cup draw with 3½ hours of live coverage starting at 11:30 AM ET on FOX. The draw, to be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will determine the groups for the upcoming 48-team extravaganza.
Henry’s Reflections and Excitement
For Henry, joining the FOX Sports team is more than just a career move; it’s a return to the pinnacle of the sport he loves. “It’s an honor and privilege to be part of the World Cup coverage for FOX Sports. For me, the World Cup is the ultimate sporting event and to join the team and still have some involvement in the tournament, fills me with a great deal of excitement. The draw in Washington tomorrow means we are close to the start. I can’t wait,” he said. The World Cup has been a significant part of Henry’s career, having represented France in four tournaments, including the historic 1998 victory on home soil. His passion for the game and his deep understanding of what makes a World Cup special will undoubtedly enrich the viewing experience for fans around the globe.
A Career of Achievements and Records
Henry’s career as a striker is a testament to his skill and dedication. He is one of the greatest goalscorers in France’s history, with 51 goals in 123 appearances for the national team. At the club level, his record-breaking 228 goals for Arsenal in the Premier League solidified his status as a club legend. He is the first player to win back-to-back European Golden Boots and the first to win Domestic Golden Boots three years in a row. His accolades also include two consecutive English Player of the Year Awards and five French Player of the Year Awards, feats that remain unmatched. His time at Arsenal was particularly memorable, where he rewrote record books and became an integral part of the “Invincible” team that went unbeaten in the 2003-04 season.
A Journey Through European and American Soccer
Henry’s journey through European soccer was marked by success at several top clubs. He began his professional career at AS Monaco, where he made his mark before moving to Juventus and then Barcelona. After his time in Europe, Henry brought his talents to Major League Soccer (MLS) with the New York Red Bulls. During his four years with the club, he made 122 appearances and scored 14 game-winning goals, helping the team win the Shield in 2013. His decision to join MLS not only expanded his personal legacy but also contributed to the growth and popularity of soccer in the United States.
Preparing for the 2026 World Cup
From June 11 through July 19, 2026, FOX Sports will present its largest World Cup production and broadcast slate to date, featuring all 104 matches live across FOX (69) and FS1 (35). The 69 matches on FOX will be the most ever in broadcast television history, more than doubling the number of matches on broadcast in 2022. The 2026 World Cup will be a historic event, being the first tournament hosted by three countries—United States, Mexico, and Canada—with 48 teams playing 104 matches across 16 host cities. Eleven cities in the U.S., including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area, will host the tournament. Henry’s insights and analysis will be crucial in bringing this monumental event to life for millions of viewers.
