It was a night of mixed emotions for American soccer fans. While the USMNT fell to Belgium 4-1 in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, a surprising number of U.S. citizens weren't just disappointed—they were celebrating. Their joy wasn't about the loss itself, but about what they saw as poetic justice following President Trump's controversial call to FIFA.
The drama began when President Trump asked FIFA to review the red card given to USMNT star Folarin Balogun, which would have suspended him for Monday's match. Trump's request led to a FIFA review that ultimately put the suspension on hold, allowing Balogun to play. "All I did was ask for a review," Trump said at a White House briefing. "This man is a smart, tough man, Gianni Infantino... his stock has gone through the roof."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the decision, stating that he regularly discusses World Cup matters with heads of state. "I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies," Infantino said. "Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions."
But not everyone was buying it. Comedian Rosie O'Donnell sharply criticized the move, telling Variety, "Since when does he get to make and change the rules... and everyone just sits by and shrugs their shoulders?" She argued that Trump's interference undermined the sport's integrity.
On social media, the backlash was fierce. Some U.S. citizens openly rooted for Belgium. "Congratulations Belgium on beating the (expletive) out of the United States," one user wrote. Another added, "Trump trashed the reputation of his country, the tournament the USA is hosting, and the US national team, only to get battered 4-1. The most poetic of justice."
One user, identifying as a lifelong professional sportsman, said, "As a US citizen I will be routing for Belgium... I’ve always taught the importance of integrity and sadly the US has proven to the world we have absolutely none." Another simply wrote, "Thanks Belgium, for knocking this corrupt team out of the World Cup!"
This unusual display of Americans rooting against their own team highlights the deep divisions caused by Trump's involvement. Meanwhile, Belgium's Romelu Lukaku didn't miss a chance to troll the U.S., celebrating with a dance and a playful dig—a moment captured in Lukaku's post-match antics.
The USMNT's loss shattered viewership records, with 30 million fans tuning in, but the conversation quickly shifted from the score to the controversy. For those Americans who celebrated the defeat, the result was a kind of vindication—a chance to cheer for integrity over interference. Belgium now advances to face Spain in the Round of 8 on Friday.
