James Corden and Rio Ferdinand team up for nightly World Cup late-night show

James Corden is bringing late-night television to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours with James Corden, a one-hour nightly show that premiered on 11 June and runs through 19 July — the night of the final at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Corden is joined in the studio by Rio Ferdinand, the former England captain and six-time Premier League champion with Manchester United, who provides the tactical and on-pitch analysis. Emmy-winning comedian Ian Karmel, who previously served as head writer on Corden’s The Late Late Show, completes the presenting trio. The show originates from the FOX Studio Lot in Los Angeles.

Each episode covers the day’s most talked-about World Cup moments and storylines, with surprise guests drawn from both football and wider entertainment. Corden, a self-described soccer superfan and devoted West Ham United supporter, hosted The Late Late Show from 2015 to 2023. Ferdinand, meanwhile, brings first-hand tournament experience, having represented England at three FIFA World Cups — 1998, 2002 and 2006.

The programme is produced by Fulwell Entertainment and Jolly Octopus Media in conjunction with FOX Sports.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 48 nations competing across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with all 104 matches taking place between 11 June and 19 July.