Football fans reacted furiously after FOX Sports announced a new FIFA World Cup late-night show hosted by James Corden alongside Rio Ferdinand and Ian Karmel.
The backlash was not just about one promo. It reflected a wider frustration with how many soccer fans believe FOX packages major tournaments for a casual American audience.
That made the announcement feel like a flashpoint. Instead of excitement for more World Cup programming, the immediate response centered on Corden, the tone of the show, and FOX’s broader coverage choices.
FOX Sports introduces World Cup show featuring James Corden, Rio Ferdinand, and Ian Karmel
As FOX Sports on X announced, FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours with James Corden will air at midnight on FOX starting June 11.
“The matches end. The show begins. ‘FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours with James Corden’ — with Rio Ferdinand & Ian Karmel, midnights on FOX starting June 11,” they tweeted.
The show is being positioned as a late-night companion to the tournament, with Corden leading a lighter recap format after the day’s matches.
Rio Ferdinand gives the lineup real soccer credibility, while Ian Karmel adds another comedy voice. But the combination did not calm skeptical fans.
For many, the concern is that a World Cup show built around late-night comedy could lean too far into celebrity, bits, and broad entertainment instead of meaningful football conversation.
James Corden news sends football fans into meltdown
The reaction from football fans was harsh because the announcement arrived with existing distrust of FOX’s soccer coverage. One fan wrote, “Thanks for the advanced warning so I don’t accidentally tune in to this pile of d__ s___.”
Another response focused directly on the lineup, saying, “It’s not too late to cancel this. This is a truly awful lineup.” The frustration kept building across the replies. One fan asked, “Jesus, you really don’t want people to watch, do you?”
Corden was the clear target for many of the strongest reactions. One post warned, “If Corden’s there, we riot.” Another fan turned the criticism toward the network itself, writing, “Fox is deliberately trying to tank soccer’s popularity.”
The anger may sound extreme, but it shows the challenge FOX faces. A late-night World Cup show needs personality, but soccer fans also want the tournament treated with seriousness.
Right now, the first response suggests FOX has plenty of convincing to do before the show begins.
Read more:
