James Corden is returning to late-night television with a new Fox series that will air during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The former host of CBS's The Late Late Show will front a nightly program titled "FIFA World Cup On FOX After Hours With James Corden." The show is designed to bring together comedy, celebrity appearances, and daily tournament coverage.
A New Chapter for James Corden
James Corden rose to fame in the United Kingdom as an actor and comedian, but he became a household name in the United States as the host of The Late Late Show on CBS from 2015 to 2023. During his tenure, he popularized segments like Carpool Karaoke, which featured artists singing along to their hits while driving. He also oversaw the show's transition from a traditional talk format to a more viral, internet-friendly program. After leaving The Late Late Show, Corden returned to the UK and pursued various projects, including stage work and television appearances. Now, he is set to re-enter the late-night landscape in a unique capacity: as the host of a World Cup-themed show.
The Details of the New Show
According to FOX Sports, James Corden will host "FIFA World Cup On FOX After Hours With James Corden" during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The nightly program will premiere on June 11 and will air throughout the tournament, which runs through July 19. Each episode will air after that day's matches have concluded, providing a lighthearted recap and analysis of the day's events. The show will originate from Los Angeles on the FOX Studio Lot.
Corden announced the show during FOX's Upfront presentation alongside Michael Strahan. Former England captain Rio Ferdinand and comedian Ian Karmel will join the studio program. Ferdinand, a legendary defender, will provide expert soccer analysis, while Karmel, who served as head writer and sidekick on Corden's Late Late Show, will bring comedic commentary. The hourlong program will feature celebrity guests, entertainers, and soccer figures discussing tournament moments and viral stories.
During the presentation, Corden described the series: "Every night after the games, we're going to be trying to have a lighthearted look at the World Cup. Talking about the games, talking about anything that may have happened that day." He also addressed his decision to join FOX's World Cup coverage, quipping, "Because they got the rights to the games. I can't stress this enough, if they didn't have the rights to the games, I'd do this show on the network that did so."
Brad Zager, FOX Sports President and Executive Producer, announced the program during the network's Upfront '26 presentation in New York. He said, "We couldn't be more excited to welcome James, Rio and Ian to the FOX Sports family."
FOX Sports' Comprehensive World Cup Coverage
FOX Sports will broadcast all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 across FOX and FS1. The tournament will be the largest ever, featuring 48 teams competing across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Every match will be available to stream live and on-demand in 4K on FOX One, the network's streaming platform. This marks the first World Cup with 48 teams, and FOX Sports has invested heavily in its coverage, including studio shows, digital content, and fantasy games.
In addition to the late-night show with Corden, FOX Sports has introduced several new initiatives tied to the tournament. For example, they announced a partnership with Yahoo Sports to launch new soccer fantasy games, giving fans fun ways to put their predictions to the test while enjoying the World Cup on FOX One. The network also created a unique job opening for a "Chief World Cup watcher," offering a $50,000 salary for a fan who will document their experience throughout the tournament.
Background on the FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanded from 32. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19. The United States will host 60 matches, while Canada and Mexico will each host 10 matches. Eleven U.S. cities will host games: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle. Three Canadian cities—Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver—and three Mexican cities—Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey—will also host matches.
The expansion to 48 teams means 16 additional countries will participate. The tournament will continue to feature traditional powerhouses like Brazil, Germany, Argentina, and France, as well as emerging teams from Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The group stage will consist of 16 groups of three teams each, with the top two from each group advancing to a knockout round of 32. This format change has generated significant discussion among fans and analysts, and FOX's coverage will likely explore the implications.
James Corden's Late-Night Legacy
Corden's return to late-night television comes after a hiatus that followed his departure from The Late Late Show in April 2023. During his eight-year run, he won multiple Emmy Awards and established himself as a versatile entertainer. However, his hosting style drew both praise and criticism. Some viewers loved his energetic sketches and celebrity interviews, while others found his humor divisive. Regardless, his show attracted a loyal audience and generated billions of video views online.
Corden's new gig on Fox is a departure from the traditional network late-night model. Instead of a year-round show, his program will be a limited series that lasts the duration of the World Cup. This approach allows him to tap into the massive global audience of the tournament while avoiding the daily grind of a nightly talk show. It also aligns with Fox's strategy of using major sporting events to launch branded entertainment programming.
What to Expect from 'After Hours'
According to FOX Sports, the show will aim to capture the excitement and camaraderie of the World Cup. Each night, Corden, Ferdinand, and Karmel will break down the day's biggest plays, goals, upsets, and controversies. Celebrity guests will bring a pop-culture perspective, and prerecorded segments may include interviews with players, coaches, and fan reactions from host cities. The show will also cover viral social media moments and behind-the-scenes content from the tournament.
Given Corden's background in comedy and music, viewers can expect musical performances or spoofs related to the World Cup. The show may also incorporate audience participation through live voting or social media interactions. The hour-long format will allow for in-depth discussions without the time constraints of a standard halftime show.
The Broader Late-Night Landscape
Corden's return adds a new dimension to the late-night television landscape, which has seen significant shifts in recent years. Traditional hosts like Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Kimmel continue to dominate, but streaming services and digital platforms have fragmented the audience. By aligning his show with a major sporting event, Corden is sidestepping the declining ratings of traditional late-night shows and targeting a captive, live audience.
Fox, meanwhile, has been investing in sports-adjacent entertainment programming. The network already airs studio shows like "FOX NFL Sunday" and "The Herd with Colin Cowherd." Adding a late-night show during the World Cup allows them to capitalize on the tournament's massive viewership and cross-promote other properties. The network also has rights to the FIFA World Cup through 2026.
In conclusion, James Corden's new Fox show represents a strategic move for both the host and the network. It brings Corden back to American television in a high-profile role, while giving Fox a unique offering during the world's biggest sporting event. The combination of comedy, soccer analysis, and celebrity appearances promises to deliver an entertaining nightly recap. With the tournament just months away, fans of both Corden and the World Cup have plenty to look forward to when "FIFA World Cup On FOX After Hours With James Corden" premieres on June 11.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News