Critics have turned their attention to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during the World Cup, accusing him of showing too little support for the U.S. men’s national team after he appeared at tournament-related events without wearing Team USA gear.
The backlash intensified online after observers noted that Mamdani, a Democrat and self-described socialist, has not been seen in a USMNT jersey despite the growing excitement around the competition. His clothing choices have become a flashpoint in a broader political argument over patriotism and public symbolism during major international sporting events.
Some of the criticism centered on Mamdani’s decision to wear a custom Arsenal-themed kurta while celebrating Eid before the start of the World Cup. He also attended the first World Cup match held at New York New Jersey Stadium, featuring Brazil and Morocco, where he wore a New York City-themed shirt rather than apparel linked to Team USA.
Those appearances prompted a wave of condemnation from opponents, who argued that the mayor missed an opportunity to publicly align himself with the national team. The reaction has unfolded alongside wider scrutiny of how some figures on the political left have responded to the World Cup, with detractors accusing Democrats of lacking national pride.
One critic wrote that a mayor choosing not to wear a Team USA jersey “says a lot” about where his loyalties lie, reflecting the sharper tone the debate has taken as the tournament continues.
‘Not wearing a Team USA jersey when you’re a mayor says a lot about where your loyalty sits,’ another said.
‘Pride in the country shouldn’t be optional for people in charge.’
Frustrations from conservatives over the move were compounded as two Democrats running for Congress in New York both said they were cheering for other countries outside the USA.
New York City socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani became the latest target for critics over his alleged lack of patriotism, with many pointing out the sports-loving Democrat has refused to wear a Team USA jersey
Mamdani was also present at the USA’s opening game against Paraguay, but he opted to wear a New York City-themed shirt instead of a team USA jersey
The moment came during a debate for New York’s 13th Congressional seat, where incumbent Rep. Adriano Espiallat faced liberal challenger Darializa Chevalier.
In an on-camera debate on PIX 11, the pair were asked who they are supporting in the World Cup.
‘Ah, I like Mexico,’ Espiallat said proudly.
Chevalier, who is endorsed by Mamdani and is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, then avoided taking the easy win in the softball question.
She responded: ‘I’m rooting for Senegal.’
The moment sparked backlash as many felt those running for the US Congress shouldn’t openly root against Team USA.
‘People who don’t put American first should not be allowed to run for governmental positions,’ one critic wrote on X.
‘This needs to stop with people who are anti-American.’
Another fuming viewer branded the pair ‘brain dead’ and a ‘shameful representation of America.’
‘Shameful and a disgrace,’ they wrote. ‘People who vote for these idiots get exactly what they deserve.’
Rep. Adriano Espiallat also sparked backlash as he admitted in a debate that he is openly rooting against Team USA, saying he supports Mexico instead
Espiallat’s challenger, socialist Darializa Chevalier, responded to the easy question by also saying she was not supporting the USA, and said he is rooting for Senegal instead
Backlash aimed at Mamdani came as he faced an apparent snub from New York Knicks owner James Dolan at the team’s championship parade this week.
Mamdani – who opted to wear a Knicks jersey – joined Dolan and the Knicks players at the packed parade to celebrate the team’s first NBA Championship victory in 53 years.
The parade, which wound its way through the Canyon of Heroes, culminated in a ceremony at City Hall where Mamdani gifted ceremonial keys to the city to the champions, including Dolan.
However, there appeared to be tension between the mayor and the Knicks chief when they came face-to-face onstage.
Dolan, who was the first to receive the honor, did not appear too enthused to pose for a photo opportunity with Mamdani.
Backlash aimed at Mamdani came as he faced an apparent snub from New York Knicks owner James Dolan at the team’s championship parade this week
The Knicks owner appeared to take a sly dig at Mamdani during his own address to fans
Dolan quickly turned to return to his seat without hesitation after receiving the key to the city, leaving the New York City Mayor awkwardly stood waiting for a photo onstage
Dressed in an orange blazer and a blue Knicks cap, Dolan quickly shook hands with Mamdani and accepted the key, but refused to stand close to the mayor.
Mamdani then stood awkwardly in preparation of a photo but Dolan did not hesitate, instead immediately turning back towards his seat.
After Mamdani gave a speech recapping the Knicks’ history, the MSG boss then fired back with snappy comments of his own when his turn to take to the podium came.
‘I don’t need your vote, I don’t need to quote to you, right, about what happened here because if you’re real Knicks fans, you know it already,’ Dolan said in an apparent dig at the mayor.
The Daily Mail has contacted Mamdani for comment.
