The United States men's national team was eliminated from the World Cup after a crushing 4-1 defeat to Belgium, drawing worldwide ridicule following President Donald Trump's controversial intervention over a player's red card. The loss made the USA the last of the co-hosts to exit the tournament.
Belgium's Taunts and Trump Dance Mockery
After Romelu Lukaku scored Belgium's fourth goal, he cupped his ears in front of US fans, mimicking a gesture associated with Trump's dance moves. The Belgium national team posted a photo of Lukaku with the caption 'overturn this,' directly referencing Trump's request to FIFA to overturn striker Folarin Balogun's red card.
Trump had personally lobbied FIFA president Gianni Infantino, claiming he 'didn't think it was a foul.' Despite World Cup rules prohibiting appeals for red cards, FIFA invoked Article 27—never before used in tournament history—to overturn Balogun's suspension, allowing him to play against Belgium.
Global and Domestic Backlash
The footballing world responded with mockery. A British fan tweeted a video of US star Christian Pulisic's Trump dance celebration from November 2024, saying, 'Dance now, Pulisic.' An Iranian FA spokesperson stated, 'Now the whole world is dancing to celebrate politics' humiliating defeat by football.'
Another fan shared a photo of Lukaku cupping his ears in front of three despondent US fans, calling it 'the most beautiful sight.' A photo of Neil Warnock's rant with Trump's face superimposed on a Millwall player circulated with the caption: 'Serves you right for f*****g Balogun that!'
American Self-Mockery
Even US citizens joined in the criticism. British researcher Zoe Gardiner wrote, 'Going out 4-1 after cheating and the whole country defending it on here. True MAGA levels of self humiliation.' Another American commented, 'haven't seen America this thoroughly embarrassed on the world stage since we lost that war we started with Iran like 3 weeks ago.'
Some mocked Trump's pattern of incorrect predictions, including his claim that the Kansas City Chiefs would win the Super Bowl, the New York Knicks losing an NBA playoff game he attended, and Europe winning the Ryder Cup he attended.
Balogun's Role and Aftermath
Folarin Balogun, 25, started against Belgium despite backlash over Trump's interference. He could not prevent the 4-1 defeat. Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia revealed that Balogun 'came to talk' after the game, adding, 'I really liked that. It's not his fault, he's not the one to blame and that's what I told him.' Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals in Los Angeles on Friday.
