Ibrahimovic keeps Lalas guessing again in latest awkward World Cup studio exchange

Zlatan Ibrahimovic added another chapter to his running studio feud with FOX colleague Alexi Lalas during the 2026 World Cup, sharing a behind-the-scenes clip in which he stonewalled the American pundit’s repeated attempts to identify the music he was playing.

In the footage, Ibrahimovic is seen enjoying a track alongside fellow pundit Thierry Henry, who grinned and bobbed along appreciatively. Lalas, by contrast, appeared baffled, asking several times what was being played. Ibrahimovic declined to give a straight answer, clapping along to the rhythm and dismissing each enquiry with a grin.

“What music is this?” Lalas asked. “This is my music. Enjoy a little bit. I enjoy your American music,” Ibrahimovic replied. When Lalas pressed further and asked what the vocalist was singing about, Ibrahimovic offered only: “She’s singing about love, you know.” Lalas replied, “Yeah, I know love,” prompting Ibrahimovic to fire back: “You show your true colour.”

The track Ibrahimovic kept to himself was “Luda za tobom” by Serbian artist Lepa Brena, released in 1996 — a song whose lyrics concern unrequited love, broadly consistent with his brief description. Lalas had a music-recognition app on his phone in front of him throughout the exchange.

Ibrahimovic subsequently posted the clip on X, where the reaction was heavily in his favour. “Lalas thinks music needs to be analyzed and understood to be enjoyed, what an idiot,” wrote one user. Another added: “You’ve got to love him. If only they would get rid of the pompous Alexi Lalas.”

The clip is the latest in a series of pointed moments between the pair during FOX’s tournament coverage. Earlier in the competition, Ibrahimovic responded to news that Lalas had left the studio with a flat “Who?” before telling viewers “You’re welcome” in his absence — exchanges that have fuelled widespread speculation about the nature of their relationship.

Ibrahimovic has since insisted he respects all of his colleagues on the FOX panel, though his on-screen behaviour has done little to dampen the ongoing debate.