Elmo Backs Team USA for 2026 World Cup After NBA Finals Backlash

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 19

Elmo publicly declared support for Team USA at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying before the USMNT’s match against Australia that he wanted the United States to win.
The statement came after Knicks fans blasted the Sesame Street character for refusing to pick a side in the NBA Finals, turning a lighthearted sports question into a social-media backlash.
Elmo framed the message as a clarification rather than a broader feud, adding that he “loves everybody” while trying to avoid another round of fan anger.
The cameo extends Sesame Street’s World Cup presence after Elmo and Cookie Monster appeared at the tournament’s opening ceremony in Los Angeles last week.