WASHINGTON — The internet is giving him a red card.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) was ruthlessly skewered on social media for donning a Mexico jersey during a watch party in Tucson for the country’s big World Cup game against England.
“Lots of people out in Tucson to watch Mexico take on England. Tucson and La Rosa sure know how to do the World Cup!” Kelly posted on X with images of himself in a Mexico jersey.
Lots of people out in Tucson to watch Mexico take on England. Tucson and La Rosa sure know how to do the World Cup! pic.twitter.com/XFqZLXC7Xv
— Captain Mark Kelly (@CaptMarkKelly) July 6, 2026
Kelly, whose state shares a border with Mexico, has cultivated buzz that he may be eyeing a run for the presidency in 2028, given that he represents a critical swing state.
The US, Mexico, and Canada have been jointly hosting the World Cup this year.
Mexico was ultimately defeated by England 2 to 3, but the senator’s decision to wear another country’s jersey elicited fierce backlash on social media. America is the last hosting nation still left in the feted tournament.
Conservative critics quickly ripped him for his wardrobe choice as the World Cup knockout rounds play out.
“Modern Democratic Party: wear another country’s jersey and post a photo of yourself taking a photo of yourself,” conservative pundit Scott Jennings jabbed on X.
Modern Democratic Party: wear another country’s jersey and post a photo of yourself taking a photo of yourself. https://t.co/UM8t7mwWum
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) July 6, 2026
“Surprised you weren’t wearing an Iran jersey, senator,” Outkick founder Clay Travis swiped.
“Democrats find a country they can be proud of,” writer Scott Greer snipped.
“This pandering loser doesn’t understand the conviviality of the World Cup. If he wore a USA jersey proudly, the Mexican fans would embrace him,” former investment banker John LeFevre posted on X.
“Read the room: Japan, Germany, USA, Mexico, etc. All fans love and respect each other for their pride.”
This pandering loser doesn’t understand the conviviality of the World Cup.
If he wore a USA jersey proudly, the Mexican fans would embrace him.
Read the room: Japan, Germany, USA, Mexico, etc. All fans love and respect each other for their pride.
Not this coward @CaptMarkKelly https://t.co/QeHJYVyC00
— John LeFevre (@JohnLeFevre) July 6, 2026
The Post reached out to Kelly’s office for comment.
England had captured an early lead against Mexico, which began to gain a bit of an upper hand after one of England’s key players was red-carded, reducing its headcount to 10 players.
But England prevailed nonetheless, resulting in Mexico getting booted from the tournament.
Meanwhile, the US is set to face off against Belgium in its toughest match of the tournament to date. On Sunday, FIFA nixed a red card against US striker Folarin Balogun, who had scored the opening goal in the last game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The knockout game between the US and Belgium is set to take place at 8 pm ET.
