NFL Analyst Seemingly Blames Donald Trump For USMNT’s Humiliating World Cup Exit, Faces Backlash

Donald Trump played a major role in getting Folarin Balogun back on the soccer field only for USMNT to lose against Belgium in the Round of 16.

NFL Analyst Seemingly Blames Donald Trump For USMNT’s Humiliating World Cup Exit, Faces Backlash

Folarin Balogun and Donald Trump (via Yardbarker)

Many are blaming Donald Trump for Team USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium. USA is out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Trump played a key role in FIFA dismissing Team USA forward Folarin Balogun’s red card. Neutrals accused the USA President of souring the spirit of soccer with his actions.

Balogun played against Belgium in the Round of 16 fixture but failed to leave a positive mark. Team USA conceded two goals in each half and succumbed to a defeat.

Nikki Gist, who covers both the NFL and the NBA, called out Trump for jinxing Team USA’s chances of advancing to the quarterfinals.

I’m just gonna say it because someone has to. Whenever Trump gets involved in a sport, it all goes downhill from there.

Nikki Gist tweeted
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Fans react to Nikki Gist’s tweet on Donald Trump following Team USA’s defeat against Belgium

Team USA qualified to play Belgium after securing a win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. However, the referee showed striker Folarin Balogun a red card for standing on a Bosnia defender’s leg.

NFL Analyst Seemingly Blames Donald Trump For USMNT's Humiliating World Cup Exit, Faces Backlash
Folarin Balogun (Image via Yardbarker)

Experts questioned the officials’ decision to show a red card because the tackle looked accidental rather than intentional. President Trump assembled a team of lawyers and asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reverse the decision. Trump thought Balogun did not deserve a red card. FIFA listened and allowed Balogun to play.

I saw the play, and I’m a person that loves sports … that wasn’t a foul. That wasn’t even an infraction … this referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his past. He made a call that nobody could believe … he’s our best player, or one of our best players. And he gave him a red card. I didn’t know what that meant … yes, I asked for a review by FIFA.

Donald Trump said (H/T BBC)

While USA fans rejoiced upon hearing the news, it came as a massive shock for the rest of the world. Later, Infantino explained that the decision was taken by FIFA’s judicial bodies, which act “independently.”

I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree.

Infantino stated

Belgium challenged the ruling, but its request was denied. Balogun lined up for Team USA at Seattle Stadium.

Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere scored a brace while Hans Vanaken and captain Romelu Lukaku scored one each. Malik Tillman was the only Team USA player on the scoresheet. As for Balogun, he barely saw the ball. His only real contribution was making Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois save an easy shot.

Nikki Gist noted that Trump is the reason for the entire mess.

However, in a different tweet, Gist claimed that she wrote her previous post about Trump as a joke.

Regardless, Team USA is out of the World Cup. Belgium moves forward to the quarters, where they will face the mighty Spain.

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