Online commentators opposed to former President Donald Trump celebrated the U.S. Men's National Team's World Cup loss to Belgium on Monday night, linking their disappointment to Trump's reported intervention with FIFA regarding a player's red card. The U.S. team lost the match 4-1 to Belgium.
Folarin Balogun, a key player for the U.S. team, received a one-game suspension after a red card during a previous match. Reports indicated that Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the penalty, which would have sidelined Balogun for the game against Belgium. FIFA announced that Balogun's suspension would be suspended, but stated that Trump's call did not influence their decision.
Following the U.S. team's defeat, several anti-Trump voices on the social media platform Bluesky expressed satisfaction with the outcome. Some users stated they were glad the team lost because of Trump's alleged attempt to influence the game's outcome. One post read, "I'm glad we lost. [F--k] our demented moronic 'leader' and [f--k] his FIFA goons and [f--k] the US [right now], truly."
Another user commented, "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." Others echoed similar sentiments, with one user writing, "Trump put his thumb on the scale and still lost us the game. Karma is truly a b----."
Film director Morgan J. Freeman was among those who stated they were rooting against the U.S. team. "I’m not rooting for the USA if they are cheating," Freeman posted. Another individual who identified as an American World Cup fan also declared they were now supporting the opposing team.
The U.S. team's exit from the World Cup means they will not have another opportunity to compete until the tournament in four years.