Javier “Chicharito†Hernández is set to begin a new chapter in his career, joining Fox Sports as a studio analyst for its English-language coverage of the 2026 World Cup.
The Mexico national team legend, who scored 52 goals for his country and featured in three World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018), will appear alongside high-profile names such as Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as part of Fox’s broadcast team. It marks Hernández’s first experience working in television after a professional playing career spanning clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Speaking about the transition, Hernández acknowledged the shift from playing to punditry, describing it as moving from expressing himself with his feet to using his voice. He also admitted he is entering the role as a beginner, expressing a willingness to learn during the tournament and contribute with both positive and critical analysis.
The 37-year-old forward is Mexico’s all-time leading scorer and remains a prominent figure in the country’s football culture. After returning to Mexico in 2024 to join Chivas de Guadalajara, his playing time was limited by injuries and form, and he has not played competitively since the end of his contract in December 2025. Despite this, Hernández stated he has not retired and left the door open regarding his future in football.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with Mexico set to play in the opening match of the tournament. Hernández shared optimism about the national team’s prospects, highlighting recent improvements under manager Javier Aguirre and expressing hope that Mexico can advance deep into the competition.
His move into broadcasting also comes with experience and scrutiny, as he acknowledged the pressures of public commentary, especially given the critical nature of football punditry in Mexico. He emphasized preparation, openness to learning, and a focus on contributing positively during the tournament.