Fox Sports honours Grant Wahl during 2026 World Cup opening coverage
The broadcaster paid tribute to the journalist who died in 2022 while covering the tournament in Qatar, citing his role in the sport’s domestic growth.
Fox Sports host Rebecca Lowe delivered a tribute to former analyst and soccer reporter Grant Wahl during the pregame coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match. The acknowledgment occurred on 12 June 2026, as the network prepared to broadcast the fixture between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.
Wahl passed away in 2022 while covering the World Cup in Qatar. During the broadcast, images of the journalist were displayed on screen as Lowe spoke to the audience. She noted that his loss remained palpable and credited his dedication to journalism for contributing significantly to the growth of soccer in the United States.
Lowe stated that Wahl’s work was a key factor in the current excitement surrounding the tournament. She described his passing as a somber reminder amidst the festivities of the opening day, emphasising that the network and its viewers still missed him dearly.
Wahl was a prominent figure in American soccer journalism, having served as a leading voice for the US Men’s National Team across multiple outlets including Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports, and Fox. In the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup, he was also known for reporting on human rights abuses in Qatar.
The 2026 tournament marks the first World Cup to be jointly hosted by Mexico, the USA, and Canada. The opening match commenced on 11 June 2026 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Julian Quiñones scored the tournament’s first goal. The competition is scheduled to conclude on 19 July 2026 with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
