Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever made a remark during a NATO meeting that appeared to be a pointed reference to former President Donald Trump's controversial involvement in a 2026 FIFA World Cup match. De Wever was speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, about an $80 billion military aid package for Ukraine when he invoked a soccer metaphor.
"This is also a very strong ‘red card’ to Putin," De Wever stated, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his country's invasion of Ukraine. He then added, "You can’t just take back a red card. You know that."
Trump was present at the same table during the discussion. De Wever's comment is believed to reference an incident during the 2026 FIFA World Cup where Trump reportedly asked FIFA to review a red-card suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun before the Americans' match against Belgium. FIFA ultimately overturned the suspension, though Belgium won the game 4-1. Following the match, Belgian players reportedly engaged in playful taunting of Trump through goal celebrations, in the locker room, and on social media.