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Sport: SoccerCountry: FranceCategory: Scores & Results

Thierry Henry responds to Landon Donovan's criticism during World Cup match

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 1:27 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Thierry Henry responds to Landon Donovan's criticism during World Cup match
Summary

During halftime of the World Cup opener against Senegal on June 16, 2026, Thierry Henry reacted to Landon Donovan's comments. Donovan described the French team as 'arrogant' and 'casual' after a scoreless first half. Henry expressed his disagreement, urging focus on the game and defending the team's performance. In the second half, France scored three times, ultimately winning 3-1. Donovan later reiterated his critiques, highlighting expectations for the French team's performance as higher. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, in postgame commentary, defended France, branding their demeanor as 'confident' rather than 'arrogant'.

Source Links
Yahoo SportsAwful Announcing
By the Numbers
  • •Thierry Henry defended France against Landon Donovan's criticism
  • •Match tied 0-0 at halftime
  • •France won 3-1 after scoring three goals in the second half
  • •Donovan aimed to express expectations for a better performance
  • •Zlatan Ibrahimovic labeled France 'confident' in response to the criticism
Latest Updates
  • 9:35 AMYahoo Sports — Thierry Henry fires back at Landon Donovan for calling France ‘arrogant’ after Senegal struggles
  • 1:27 AMYahoo Sports — Thierry Henry did not appreciate Landon Donovan calling France 'arrogant'
  • 9:36 PMAwful Announcing — Thierry Henry didn't like Landon Donovan calling France 'arrogant' during World Cup opener - Awful Announcing
  • 9:31 PMYahoo Sports — Thierry Henry didn’t like Landon Donovan calling France ‘arrogant’ during World Cup opener
What they're saying
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Fox’s World Cup coverage has added some international star power this year, meaning viewers got the unique opportunity to hear directly from French national team legend Thierry Henry at halftime of the squad’s opener against Senegal on Tuesday. With the match tied 0-0, Henry didn’t have much to celebrate. Instead, Henry was asked to respond…

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Thierry Henry did not hold back after Landon Donovan accused France of being “arrogant” during their World Cup opener against Senegal. France eventually ran out 3-1 winners thanks to a second-half brace from Kylian Mbappé, but the first half had been a different story.

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Fox analysts Landon Donovan and Thierry Henry debated on air after a dismal start for the French national team in its World Cup opener.

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