‘Don’t make this a thing:’ Elmo picks Team USA for World Cup, still loves everyone

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 in full swing, and fans from all over the world traveling across the United States to cheer on their home teams, beloved Sesame Street character Elmo took to X in a Team USA jersey to declare his support for the American squad. The explicit partisanship isn't an accident but an inside joke. Earlier this month, as the NBA's San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks battled for a championship, Elmo expressed hope for both teams to have fun. The social media world wasn't having it. Knicks fans, already riled up by the intensity of the series, weren't pleased. Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $179.00 (List Price $249.00) Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $99.99 (List Price $119.98) Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Blue, 2025 Release) — $399.99 (List Price $449.00) Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $349.99 (List Price $399.00) Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (Midnight Blue) — $198.00 (List Price $248.00) Other brands got in on the joke. The roasting continued after the Knicks won, with at least one fan dressing in an Elmo suit to hold up an apolog