Two New York Democrats competing for the same congressional seat declined to pick Team USA when asked who they were rooting for in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament being played on American soil.
Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., and Democratic primary challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier appeared Friday on PIX11’s “PIX on Politics,” where moderator Dan Mannarino closed the segment with a lighter question about the World Cup.
“World Cup — who are you rooting for to win it all?” Mannarino asked, according to Mediaite.
Espaillat answered, “I like Mexico.”
Chevalier said she was “rooting for Senegal.”
"World Cup — who are you rooting for to win it all?"
Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D): "Mexico"
Darializa Chevalier (D): "Senegal" pic.twitter.com/kIph5m7lrQ
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) June 15, 2026
Neither candidate named the United States.
The exchange quickly spread online and drew criticism from conservatives, who pointed to the answers as another example of Democratic politicians appearing more comfortable cheering for foreign countries than for America — even during a World Cup co-hosted by the United States.
The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 23, with early voting running from June 13 through June 21.
Espaillat, who was born in the Dominican Republic and became a naturalized U.S. citizen, has represented the district since 2017. Chevalier is a progressive challenger backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, according to reports on the race.
The World Cup opened June 11, with the United States serving as one of the host nations alongside Canada and Mexico. The final is scheduled for July 19.
The moment pointed to a larger problem for Democrats: a growing number of voters in their own party appear less inclined to root for America, whether in politics or even in a World Cup hosted partly on American soil. Less than a third of Democrats say they are proud to be American.
Most Democrats would rather live in another country and only 29% are extremely/very proud to be an American. What a disaster the party is. https://t.co/xP8kroE2AK pic.twitter.com/ukhq3k69uq
— Don Wolt (@tlowdon) June 15, 2026
The U.S. Men’s National Team entered the tournament with heightened attention because of the home-field setting and growing expectations around American soccer. But in one New York Democratic primary, Team USA did not get the nod.
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