Belgium knocks USA out of World Cup 4-1 as Trump's call to Infantino over Balogun suspension fuels 'Trump Curse' narrative
A 4-1 defeat to Belgium ended the host nation's World Cup run in Seattle, hours after Donald Trump phoned FIFA president Gianni Infantino to lift Folarin Balogun's suspension.
The match in Seattle
Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in a World Cup knockout match at Seattle's Lumen Field, eliminating the co-host nation from the tournament. Romelu Lukaku scored the fourth goal, sealing the victory for a Belgian side coached by Rudi Garcia. The result triggered an outpouring of memes and political commentary across European social media, with many users framing the loss as a symbolic rebuke to the Trump administration's trade and foreign policy.
Trump's call to Infantino
Before the match, President Trump telephoned FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask why forward Folarin Balogun was suspended and to demand the ban be lifted. Infantino complied. Balogun started the match but was widely described as the worst performer on the pitch and was substituted during the second half. The New York Times first reported the call, which Infantino had hoped to keep private.
Without him the show wouldn't be the same.
The 'Trump Curse' theory
The episode revived the so-called "Trump Curse," a social-media theory holding that Trump's active interest in a sporting event brings defeat to the team he supports. Previous incidents cited include the New York Knicks' only loss in the 2024 NBA Finals (Game 4, which Trump attended), the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles (Trump had cheered for the Chiefs), and Europe's Ryder Cup triumph in 2025 after Trump backed the U.S. team. Even Trump's former spokesman has joked online that having the president's favour may not be an advantage.
- Trump attends Game 4 of the NBA Finals; the New York Knicks suffer their only loss of the series to the San Antonio Spurs.
- Super Bowl LIX: Trump cheers for the Kansas City Chiefs, who lose to the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Trump attends the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium; the event is described as a 'colourful disaster' for the president.
- Ryder Cup: Europe defeats the United States; Trump had publicly backed the American team.
- Trump calls Infantino to lift Balogun's suspension; the United States loses 4-1 to Belgium and is eliminated from the World Cup.
Reactions from Europe
Belgian players celebrated in the locker room by performing the "Trump dance," a gesture the president often uses to the song YMCA. The Belgian football federation posted a widely shared image referencing the win. In Brussels, memes circulated showing the Manneken Pis statue urinating on Trump's head. About 50 members of the European Parliament, including former Italy women's coach Carolina Morace, called for an investigation into Infantino's role in lifting Balogun's suspension.
Thank you Belgium.
Balogun's night
Balogun's return to the lineup, engineered by Trump's intervention, became the focal point of post-match criticism. Italian and Belgian outlets noted he was substituted after a poor showing, with one report calling him the worst player on the field. The incident added a layer of controversy to an already charged elimination match, blending sports, diplomacy, and internet culture into a single evening in Seattle.
