Jesse Watters and Sage Steele reflect on the unifying power of sports, observing how international visitors are celebrating America during the World Cup. Steele emphasizes sports as a fabric of American identity that brings people together, including moments like the Knicks' championship, despite political divides. She critiques those who "hate" the country, suggesting sports transcends political office.

As foreigners flocking to America for the World Cup gush over the country, liberals are striking a different tone that critics say highlights how much Americans take for granted.

Former ESPN host Sage Steele dismissed the "anti-America vibes" following Sunday's star-studded "Rise Up, Sing Out" counter-protest concert held opposite the White House's UFC Freedom 250 event.

"Let them be miserable," Steele said Monday on "Jesse Watters Primetime."

BILL MAHER SAYS DEMS NEED TO TELL CELEBRITIES TO 'SHUT THE F--- UP,' HOLLYWOOD IS HOLDING PARTY BACK

Robert De Niro speaks onstage during Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment on June 14, 2026, in New York City.; Jane Fonda speaks onstage during the Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment on June 14, 2026, in New York City. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for the Committee for the First Amendment)

"We'll keep on breathing as we celebrate this country."

Steele contrasted the admiration many foreign visitors have expressed for the United States with what she characterized as the pessimism on display at the concert, where celebrities including host Jane Fonda, Bette Midler, Julia Roberts and Robert De Niro offered pointed critiques of the nation.

De Niro argued the U.S. "is not so lovable right now," telling the crowd that "loving our country is starting to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser."

JANE FONDA WARNS AMERICA FACES 'EXISTENTIAL' CRISIS AS SHE URGES TURNOUT AT 'NO KINGS' PROTESTS

The FIFA World Cup Trophy is seen outside the White House ahead of the FIFA World Cup Draw on Dec. 2, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Fonda lamented a "democracy in peril," calling on those in the entertainment industry to be "unwilling to engage in anticipatory obedience."

Meanwhile, enthusiastic foreign visitors attending the FIFA World Cup have gone viral online, marveling at America's scenery, food, stadiums, stores and hospitality.

"It's the little things here in America that we just don't appreciate..." Steele said.

"When you look at [Democrats] and how they have chosen to respond, it breaks my heart, but I also do believe that at this point in time... we need to ignore them... Let them do them and hate, because they're in the minority and also sports is truly the fabric of America. It is the ultimate uniter."

Scottish fans have been living it up since arriving in Boston for the World Cup... and honestly, before they arrived too. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)

OutKick host Riley Gaines also sounded off on the contrast Monday, telling "The Will Cain Show" that the average foreign visitor seems to love America more than the average Democrat.

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"[It] goes to show [that] we really don't know how good we have it here, which is kind of the sad nature of humanity. The grass is always greener on the other side," she said.

"I love these videos [of World Cup visitors]. I've loved getting to watch people from Japan or Germany eat a hot dog for the first time or go to a country music concert or wear a cowboy hat. It's pretty remarkable."

Taylor Penley is an associate editor with Fox News.

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