Thierry Henry clarifies Nigeria joke after World Cup

Football pundit Thierry Henry has clarified comments he made during a World Cup broadcast after a lighthearted exchange about a streamer's outfit was interpreted as disparaging Nigeria. The former Arsenal and France star issued a video statement on social media to explain his remarks were a joke about superstition, not about the West African nation.

The incident occurred during the United States' opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay on Friday, June 12. While working as an analyst for the broadcast, Henry and fellow pundit Zlatan Ibrahimovic interacted with popular online streamer IShowSpeed, who was in the stands wearing a United States national team jersey paired with shorts from the Nigerian national team kit.

Noticing the mixed attire, Ibrahimovic pointed out, "You have an American shirt, you have Nigerian shorts." Henry added, "I love Nigeria, but today is US for you." When Speed asked what was wrong with the combination, Henry explained that in sports, breaking up a matching uniform set is often considered bad luck. "It is great. Nigeria is great," Henry said on the broadcast. "But that's you bringing bad luck. You have to wear a full combo."