SouthernWorldwide.com – Online anti-Trump voices expressed elation following the U.S. soccer team’s defeat against Belgium on Monday night. This celebration was amplified by President Donald Trump’s prior claim of intervening with FIFA to ensure an American star player’s eligibility.
Folarin Balogun, a pivotal player in the U.S. team’s earlier tournament successes, had received a red card in the previous week’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The incident occurred when he stepped on a defender’s ankle while contesting the ball, resulting in a one-game suspension.
President Trump reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun’s red card. The suspension would have prevented the player from participating in the match against Belgium. FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun’s penalty would be suspended, though the organization maintained that Trump’s call had no bearing on their decision.
Following a performance described as lackluster, the U.S. team lost to Belgium with a score of 4-1. This outcome triggered widespread celebration among Trump’s opponents on social media platforms.
“I don’t follow soccer, but I hear the men’s US team lost to Belgium, and that you know who tried to strong arm the officials to manipulate the outcome by voiding the suspension of that one star player,” one user posted on Bluesky, a platform often frequented by left-wing voices. The post continued with strong sentiments, expressing gladness for the loss and condemnation for the president and FIFA.
Another user on the same platform echoed this sentiment, stating, “Sad I am to admit it, but I’m glad the [U.S. Men’s National Team] lost to Belgium. I could never have supported a US Team that gained victory after Trump played the Refs and attempted to Rig the outcome.”
A third user expressed happiness for Belgium, writing, “Trump put his thumb on the scale and still lost us the game. Karma is truly a b—-.”
Further commentary on a left-wing platform expressed relief that the U.S. lost, with one user stating, “So glad the US lost to Belgium after the Orange Baboon tried to cheat.”
One individual claimed that had the team won, Trump would have claimed credit, which they deemed “unbearable.” This user concluded, “glad the US lost.”
Prior to the match, several individuals publicly declared their intention to root against the American team. Among them was film director Morgan J. Freeman, a vocal critic of President Trump. He stated on Bluesky, “I’m not rooting for the USA if they are cheating.”
Another individual, identifying as an American World Cup fan, also announced their shift in allegiance: “I’m an American world cup [sic] fan, but I am now rooting against team USA.”
With their defeat this week, the U.S. team now faces a four-year wait for another opportunity to compete for World Cup glory.
