She Tried to Make the World Cup About Race — and Instantly Regretted the Next 30 Seconds

Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s suggestion during a congressional hearing that preference for Spain over Argentina in the World Cup final reflected racism has drawn sharp criticism and online ridicule.

After asking historian David Blight why so many people rooted against Argentina, and receiving the reply that Spain simply had the better team, Crockett insisted there was “a racist history that exists as it relates to Argentina.”

The exchange, captured on video, spread rapidly. Commentators noted the difficulty of attributing ordinary sports allegiances to racial motives when both teams fielded diverse rosters.

The moment added to a series of high-profile statements by the Texas Democrat that have fueled partisan debate. Critics described the remarks as an overreach that undermined the seriousness of the hearing’s focus on historical institutions.