Politics Rocks World Cup
Belgium Defeats US 4-1 Amidst Trump's Red Card Intervention Controversy
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Key Points
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FIFA allowed Balogun to play under Article 27, which permits a suspended red card scenario after political intervention, a move that intensified debates about governance versus outside influence in the World Cup.
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Belgian players celebrated with the so‑called Trump dance in the locker room and social-media posts such as an Instagram caption reading 'Overturn this,' signaling their ire at the overturned card and the surrounding controversy.
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President Donald Trump publicly pressured FIFA leadership to review Balogun’s red card, arguing that it would be unfair if the best players were not allowed to compete, highlighting the political layer surrounding the match.
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The match featured a brief moment of parity for the US when Malik Tillman opened the scoring, but Belgium quickly asserted control, ultimately winning 4-1 in a performance that left little doubt about the result.
Belgium crushed the United States 4-1 in the World Cup Round of 16 on Sunday in Seattle, knocking out the last remaining host nation and advancing to the quarterfinals. For The Win reported that Belgian players then filmed themselves doing the "Trump dance" in the locker room — a direct jab at President Trump, who had publicly pressured FIFA to overturn a red card against US striker Folarin Balogun.
The celebration quickly went viral. One Belgian player posted an Instagram caption reading "Overturn this," a mocking reference to Trump's intervention with FIFA leadership, according to Attack of the Fan Boy. The episode turned a lopsided soccer match into a flashpoint over politics, sports governance, and presidential overreach.
Trump Pushed FIFA to Overturn Balogun's Red Card
Before the match, Balogun had been hit with a one-match ban after receiving a red card. Then Trump stepped in. He publicly urged FIFA to review the call, arguing it would be unfair to keep the best players off the field. FIFA reversed the suspension using Article 27, a rule that allows a ban to be lifted in special circumstances, according to For The Win.
Yahoo Sports called the reversal "unprecedented." Critics said it set a dangerous precedent — that a sitting president could influence referee decisions at a global sporting event. The move sparked immediate backlash from soccer fans and governance experts worldwide.
Belgium Dominated Despite Tillman's Early Goal
The US actually scored first. Malik Tillman opened the scoring and gave American fans brief hope. But Belgium quickly took control and never looked back. The final score of 4-1 left little doubt about who the better team was on the day, according to Wonderwall.
Romelu Lukaku was central to Belgium's attacking play, with Wonderwall noting he scored during the rout. The US team, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, struggled to contain Belgium's pace and movement after Tillman's opener. The defeat ends the US's run at a World Cup they helped host.
Belgian Players Mock Trump With Viral Locker Room Dance
After the final whistle, Belgium's players did not hold back. Videos spread fast on social media showing the squad performing Trump's signature dance move in the dressing room. The Sun reported the team was "incensed" over Trump's involvement and used the win to send a clear message.
The Instagram caption "Overturn this" became a rallying cry online. Belgian officials framed Balogun's overturned card as not his fault personally — the anger was aimed squarely at Trump and FIFA. The clip drew millions of views within hours of being posted, per Attack of the Fan Boy.
The Incident Raises Bigger Questions About FIFA's Independence
The Balogun card reversal has opened a wider debate. Can a world leader call FIFA and change a match outcome? Critics say the answer should always be no. The episode puts pressure on FIFA to clarify its rules and explain exactly how Article 27 was applied, according to Yahoo Sports.
For the US team, the loss stings on multiple levels. They were beaten badly on the field and seen as beneficiaries of political interference — a label that could follow the program for years. Pundits are already questioning Pochettino's future and what direction US Soccer takes heading into the next cycle.
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