USMNT crushed 4-1 by Belgium, players mock Trump on the pitch

The United States men’s national team fell 4-1 to Belgium on July 5, 2026, and after the final goal the Belgian side performed a tongue‑in‑cheek rendition of Donald Trump’s signature rally dance. The spectacle added a political flashpoint to an already painful defeat for the USMNT, which entered the match with striker Folarin Balogun leading the tournament scoring chart – Balogun has three goals in four appearances.

What sparked the drama?

The controversy began the night before when FIFA overturned Balogun’s red‑card suspension from the previous game, allowing him to line up against Belgium. Reports said former President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to question the decision, prompting the Royal Belgian Football Association to issue a statement calling the ruling “astonishing” and warning that it would consider “all further actions” if the United States fielded the player.

How did Belgium react on the field?

After Romelu Lukaku netted Belgium’s fourth goal, the Belgian squad gathered in the box and mimicked Trump’s rally dance, a move captured by multiple broadcasters. Manager Rudi Garcia, who likened the eligibility reversal to an April Fools’ prank, let the celebration run, saying the team was “defending football, not politics.” The gesture was meant as a jab at the United States and the former president’s involvement, and it quickly went viral on social media.

Why does this matter for the United States?

Beyond the embarrassment of a heavy loss, the incident underscores the growing entanglement of politics and sport on the world stage. The USMNT now faces a must‑win quarter‑final against Spain, and the Balogun eligibility saga may linger in the background as officials review the precedent it sets. For a team that entered the tournament with a strong attacking line‑up, the defeat forces a tactical rethink and puts extra pressure on Balogun, who remains the tournament’s top scorer.

What’s next for the United States?

The United States will regroup quickly, aiming to restore confidence before the quarter‑final clash with Spain scheduled for later this week. Coach Gregg Berhalter emphasized that the team will focus on “playing our game” and not be distracted by off‑field controversies. Meanwhile, the Belgian federation has confirmed its next opponent is Spain, setting up a high‑stakes encounter that could reshape the knockout bracket.

The incident also raises questions about FIFA’s governance and the influence of political figures on sporting decisions. As the World Cup progresses, all eyes will be on how the United States navigates the fallout and whether Balogun can continue his scoring run under the spotlight.