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Is Elmo ready to pick a side?
The Sesame Street character appeared on the FOX broadcast ahead of the United States' opening match against Paraguay on Friday, June 12 with Cookie Monster to talk all things World Cup with Charissa Thompson.
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Elmo and Cookie Monster are guest correspondents for the tournament and Thompson asked Elmo how he's feeling.
"It's really amazing," he said. "Everybody's been really nice and teaching us about soccer."
He did admit that a soccer rule has him scratching his head.
"Elmo doesn't know what offsides is," he shared. "Elmo doesn't understand it."
We've got you covered, Elmo. Here's how offsides works.
More: How to watch USA World Cup game free, live stream USA vs. Paraguay
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Cookie Monster offered his thoughts on what he's hoping to find inside SoFi Stadium where the United States match will be played.
"Me feeling snacky. Me feeling very snacky," he said. "Me hope they have really good snacks in there. Maybe cookies."
June 12, 2026; Inglewood, California, U.S.; Elmo and Cookie Monster pose for a picture ahead of the match.
Thompson then asked both characters what their advice would be for the United States, who were kicked out of the 2022 World Cup in the Round of 16 and infamously didn't qualify for the 2018 tournament.
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"Do your best," Elmo said.
Cookie Monster's answer combined wit and nostalgia.
"Have fun and don't crumble under pressure," he said. "... Don't eat the soccer ball. Maybe have an orange slice at halftime."
Thompson didn't make Elmo pick a winner of the game. The New York native previously got roasted online when he hoped that both the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs "have fun" in the NBA Finals.
After Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina's match ended in a 1-1 draw earlier on Friday, DoorDash poked fun at Elmo, posting on X, "Elmo would've loved that game."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elmo and Cookie Monster ask questions, give advice ahead of World Cup
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