Elmo backs – After a heated NBA Finals moment involving the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, Sesame Street’s Elmo moved to head off another social-media firestorm—this time by backing Team USA for the 2026 men’s World Cup and urging fans, “Don’t make this a thing.”
For a character built on warm messages and big feelings, Elmo learned quickly that sports talk can travel fast—and land hard.
On June 19, Sesame Street’s Elmo posted on social media to make his 2026 men’s World Cup preference unmistakable. Wearing a Team USA jersey, Elmo said, “Just to be clear, Elmo wants Team USA to win. OK?” Then came the plea that sounded like it was written for adults who don’t always read the room: “But Elmo loves everybody. Just to be clear. Don’t make this a thing.”.
Elmo’s warning wasn’t random. Several weeks earlier, the same character had stirred a fresh wave of online backlash tied to the NBA Finals—when, despite being a lifelong resident of the Big Apple, he said he hoped both teams, the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, “have fun.”
The response then was immediate and emotional, and it forced Elmo to wade into a public argument about where loyalty begins and how quickly it turns into controversy.
When Elmo spoke again about the World Cup, he carried that memory with him.
Elmo backs Team USA after NBA Finals “have fun” comments
Elmo took to social media on June 19 to voice his support for Team USA in the ongoing 2026 men’s World Cup tournament. His message arrived with a specific aim: avoid repeating the same kind of controversy that followed his Knicks-related remarks.
Fans weren’t hesitant to react. In the comments, some users came to Elmo’s defense with direct frustration at the way the debate escalated. One user wrote, “Yall should be shamed. Why Elmo have to do this?” Another said they “can’t believe y’all bullied Elmo into making an apology video.” A third person offered an apology on behalf of “adults. ” writing. “I am so sorry that some grownups can’t get along Elmo.”.
But the bigger story behind the World Cup post was the Knicks-related incident that started the whole chain of reactions.
After Game 1, Elmo’s “have fun” sparked side-picking demands
Before the start of Game 1 in the NBA Finals between the Spurs and Knicks, Elmo said on X that he hoped both teams would “have fun.” The replies filled up quickly, with many in New York arguing that the furry red Muppet should back the hometown team.
Among the pushback, one post told Elmo, “Elmo be serious you’re a New Yorker, you know you can’t act like this.” Another responded with mock punishment: “They’re revoking Elmo’s New Yorker status in real time.” Someone else added, “Elmo, you’re from the city. Pick a side man.”
Elmo eventually stepped back into the argument with a follow-up post, waving the “white flag” by saying, “KNICKS that last message! Elmo didn’t mean to SPUR you on!”
That earlier episode sits underneath the World Cup message, and it helps explain why Elmo’s June 19 post includes both clarity and restraint—Team USA support paired with a request for fans to stop turning a simple statement into a referendum.
While the World Cup excitement grows, Elmo is already on the air
Sports debates weren’t the only thing Elmo has been doing. Elmo has also been lending his kid-friendly presence—without claiming to be an expert—to World Cup coverage alongside other Sesame Street friends.
Ahead of the United States’ opening match against Paraguay on June 12. Elmo and Cookie Monster discussed all things World Cup with Fox’s Charissa Thompson. During the broadcast, Thompson asked Elmo how he was feeling. Elmo responded, “It’s really amazing,” and added, “Everybody’s been really nice and teaching us about soccer.”.
Other Sesame Street performers have joined the coverage as well. including The Count. who is set to have a stats-focused segment. Oscar the Grouch will host “Trash Talk. ” which Fox describes as “a satirical highlight show featuring ‘grouchy’ moments on-and-off pitch.” Grover will also appear in a segment where the Muppet interacts with Fox Sports broadcasters to better understand how a World Cup match is called on television.
The thread linking it all is simple: Elmo’s world is supposed to be about making people feel included. But sports fandom—and the internet—often demands sharper declarations. This time, Elmo tried to draw the boundary early: Team USA wins, love everybody, and—this time—“Don’t make this a thing.”
Elmo Team USA 2026 World Cup NBA Finals New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs Sesame Street Charissa Thompson Fox Sports social media