Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the World Cup last-16 match in Seattle, and the Belgian players celebrated their fourth goal by mimicking Donald Trump's distinctive dance moves. The mockery came after Trump had lobbied FIFA to overturn a red card suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun.
Trump's Response to the Mockery
The president responded on his Truth Social platform with a four-word message: 'Yes, I'm watching. Congratulations!' This mirrored his reaction to a similar incident at the Ryder Cup, where Europe's team chanted 'Are you watching Donald Trump?' and Trump replied positively.
Controversy Over Trump's FIFA Intervention
Trump had personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun's red card, which was issued in the US victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA's disciplinary committee subsequently lifted the automatic one-match suspension, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium. Belgium's appeal against the ruling was rejected.
Trump defended his actions, stating: 'I saw the play. That wasn't a foul, that wasn't even an infraction. That was two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other. These were two great athletes that got tangled up and this referee, who is a little bit suspect, if you check his past, he made a call that nobody could believe.' He added that Infantino's 'level of respect has gone up tenfold.'
FIFA Under Pressure
Infantino faces mounting pressure to resign, as FIFA's rules prohibit political interference in national association affairs. The organization suspended the Nepalese federation last month for third-party meddling. Infantino claimed the decision to overturn the suspension was made by the independent disciplinary committee, but Trump disclosed his personal lobbying.
Belgium's goals came from Charles De Ketelaere (two), Hans Vanaken, and Romelu Lukaku, securing a quarter-final meeting with Spain. The Trump-inspired celebration after Lukaku's goal was widely shared on social media, with commentator Jon Root tweeting: 'After Belgium scored their 4th goal vs USA, the whole team mocked President Donald Trump by doing his signature dance move. Pretty savage troll, especially on US soil & after Trump fought to have FIFA review the bogus red card suspension on Balogun.'
This is not the first time Trump has been mocked by a sports team. After Europe's Ryder Cup victory in New York, Rory McIlroy led chants of 'Are you watching Donald Trump?' while holding the trophy. Trump responded positively then as well.
