A sitting U.S. Senator is facing backlash on social media for rooting for Mexico at the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.
Mexico took on England in an epic Round of 16 game at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Sunday evening. England topped Mexico, 3-2, in a thrilling game that featured a red card, multiple penalty kicks and more. Ultimately, England was able to advance, reaching the quarterfinals, while Mexico is going home.
U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, 62, was spotted wearing a Mexico jersey on Sunday evening. He made it clear that he was cheering for Mexico's national team against England. It's of course rare to see a U.S. politician rocking another country's jersey.
© Raquel Cunha-Reuters via Imagn Images
Kelly, who was born in New Jersey and serves the state of Arizona, posted a photo of himself in the jersey, revealing his rooting interest.
"Lots of people out in Tucson to watch Mexico take on England. Tucson and La Rosa sure know how to do the World Cup!" he wrote.
Arizona does have a significant Mexican population.
Kelly faces backlash for rooting for Mexico
Some U.S. fans are not happy with the U.S. Senator for rooting for Mexico on Sunday evening.
"A U.S. senator wearing a Mexico jersey. Disgusting," one fan wrote.
"I'm happy for the Mexican people to support their club. And anybody who has Mexican heritage. I think that's cool. But you are not Mexican. Mexico is a huge rival of United States in soccer. Everybody knows this. I don't know who advised you to put on a Mexican jersey as an American politician but it's a horrible look," one fan added.
"Wrong jersey Just another example of complete pandering for votes. The Mexican fans, it turns out are terrible sportsmen. Throwing foam at the English bus and blowing off fireworks to keep the English team up all night. Not a symbol of the World Cup you should be supporting. I look forward to seeing your post with a team USA jersey," one fan added.
"You are the absolute worst American in this country and deserve to be stripped of everything to do with your career in the military and NASA. Traitor," one fan added.
It's one thing to be excited for another country and their World Cup success, but it's another to flat-out root for them in a jersey.
What do you make of the U.S. Senator's move?
