Megan Rapinoe, a prominent figure in U.S. soccer, has stated that former President Donald Trump's involvement in a player's red card controversy distracted the men's national team and contributed to their "humiliating" World Cup exit.
Rapinoe, speaking on her podcast "A Touch More: The Beautiful Game," linked the team's 4-1 loss to Belgium to the fallout surrounding Folarin Balogun. Balogun received a red card against Bosnia in the round of 32, resulting in a one-game suspension that would have typically caused him to miss the subsequent round of 16 match.
However, Trump reportedly lobbied FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn the ban. FIFA subsequently suspended the suspension, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium. According to Rapinoe, this intervention by the former president propelled the story into the global headlines, creating a significant distraction for the players.
"I think the distraction got to the team for sure in some type of way," Rapinoe said. "Whether it was this red card situation, whether it was being in a public discourse with this president, all of the shenanigans and chaos that comes with the feelings on both sides of that. Whether you agree with it or not, it's just like... it's a lot to contend with."
Rapinoe suggested that the team, lacking a core of veteran players accustomed to such off-field controversies, was unprepared to handle the situation. She also commented on the broader landscape of men's soccer, noting a general reluctance among players to use their platforms for broader discourse or to engage with increased pressure and responsibility.
Rapinoe has a history of public statements and activism, including kneeling during the national anthem in protest of racial injustice and police brutality in 2016. This stance led to criticism from Trump, who at the time, repeatedly denounced athletes protesting during the anthem. Rapinoe also declined an invitation to the White House after the U.S. women's national team won the World Cup, a tradition she opted out of while some teammates attended.
Trump previously criticized Rapinoe in 2023 after she missed a penalty kick during a World Cup shootout, tweeting "WOKE EQUALS FAILURE" in reference to the event. Rapinoe has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, equal pay for women, and racial justice throughout her career. 
