The stakes for tonight's World Cup showdown between the United States and Belgium just got a whole lot spicier. President Donald Trump has issued a direct warning to FIFA, saying the U.S. will label the match as “rigged” if the Americans fall to Belgium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on FOX, and the tension is already boiling over.
The drama stems from FIFA's decision to reverse the red card suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, who was sent off in a controversial call during the Round of 32 win over Bosnia. The reversal sparked outrage among critics, but President Trump insists he didn't pressure soccer's governing body. In a Monday afternoon press briefing, Trump confirmed he spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino but said he simply asked for a review, not a specific outcome.
“All I did was ask for a review. I didn't say, you have to do this,” Trump said. “This man is a smart, tough man, Gianni Infantino. He’s a smart, tough man, and his stock has gone through the roof because the job he has done has been great. I feel like we have to have all the best players on the field.”
But the president didn't stop there. He made it crystal clear that a U.S. loss would not be accepted quietly. “If they beat us, then they can be really proud. The other way, if they beat us, I’ll say it was rigged, just like the election was rigged in 2020, but I won’t get into that,” Trump said, referencing his long-standing claims about the 2020 presidential election.
The comments have already set social media ablaze, with fans and pundits weighing in on the unusual pre-match rhetoric. The U.S. team, now with Balogun available, faces a formidable Belgian squad that has looked sharp throughout the tournament. The winner books a ticket to the quarterfinals, making this a must-watch clash.
This isn't the first time political drama has intersected with a major sporting event. Earlier this week, Djokovic found himself on thin ice at Wimbledon after an official warning for on-court language. And just yesterday, a storm forced an early kickoff for the Mexico vs. England World Cup showdown, proving that Mother Nature doesn't care about tournament brackets.
For now, all eyes are on the pitch. The U.S. will have its full arsenal, including Balogun, but Belgium is no pushover. Whether the match ends in celebration or controversy, one thing is certain: President Trump has made sure the world will be watching—and ready to question the result.
The game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on FOX. Buckle up.
