American sports fans are about to spend more time with soccer than ever before.
With the United States co-hosting the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico , the tournament is not only a showcase for current stars. It also brings retired American soccer figures back into focus for viewers discovering the sport through the world's biggest event.
That is why Alexi Lalas matters. He will be one of the most visible voices on Fox Sports' coverage, and his story explains why he still cuts through in American soccer.
Photo by Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Lalas first became famous during the 1994 World Cup, when he was the most recognisable face of the US men's national team. With long red hair, a goatee and a fearless defensive style, the centre-back helped the USA reach the knockout stage on home soil.
After that tournament, he became the first American to play in Italy 's Serie A, joining Padova in 1994.
Two years later, the defender returned to help build Major League Soccer, playing for clubs including New England Revolution , MetroStars and LA Galaxy .
Lalas was also more than a player. After retiring, he worked in MLS front offices, including roles with San Jose Earthquakes , MetroStars and LA Galaxy, before moving fully into television.
His media career grew at ESPN, where he became a key soccer analyst and worked on World Cup coverage. In 2015, he joined Fox Sports, which had made a major push into soccer broadcasting.
Now 56, the former centre-back is Fox's lead studio analyst and one of the network's most opinionated voices.
For new viewers, the simplest explanation is: Lalas is part USMNT pioneer, part television performer and part provocateur.
During this World Cup, that combination will be hard to miss.
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