US3 min(s) read
Published 09:37 07 Jul 2026 GMT
Belgium's players appeared to take a swipe at Donald Trump after dumping the United States out of the World Cup, leaving many people saying the same thing.
The Red Devils sent the tournament hosts crashing out of FIFA’s flagship competition after capitalising on a string of defensive mistakes before sealing the win with a late fourth goal from Romelu Lukaku, prompting celebrations from him and his teammates that appeared to mimic the “Trump dance”.
The match had already been steeped in controversy before kick-off after FIFA allowed USA striker Folarin Balogun to play despite being sent off in the previous round.
Trump had publicly supported FIFA's decision during an appearance in the Oval Office earlier in the week, revealing he had spoken to FIFA president Gianni Infantino before Balogun's suspension was overturned, confirming he had pushed for the suspension of the red card.
Belgium had strongly objected to the decision and demanded an explanation, even threatening further action if Balogun was eligible to play.
However, after comfortably defeating the United States, the players appeared to make their feelings known with their post-match celebrations.
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice during the opening half, while Malik Tillman briefly gave the USA hope with a free-kick.
Hans Vanaken restored Belgium's two-goal cushion after the break before Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal late on, celebrating with gestures many viewers compared to Trump's signature dance moves.
The result was particularly painful for the hosts after the build-up had been dominated by the Balogun eligibility saga.
Belgium had originally prepared for the Round of 16 expecting the Arsenal forward to miss the match following his red card. However, FIFA reversed the suspension shortly before the game.
The original dismissal had already sparked debate, while the decision to overturn the ban led to even greater scrutiny. Infantino's close relationship with Trump also prompted questions from critics about the handling of the situation.
Although Infantino later issued a statement, Belgium challenged Balogun's eligibility, but FIFA ruled the complaint "inadmissible."
Following that decision, the Royal Belgian Football Association warned it was considering further action.
"This leaves all further actions open," the federation said.
"To date, the RBFA has still not received any grounds for this decision, nor has it received the information it has been requesting since the start of this procedure."
Belgium's official national team account also joined in after the final whistle, posting a graphic showing the 4-1 scoreline alongside the caption: "Overturn this."
Following the match, social media quickly filled with jokes suggesting Trump's close relationship with FIFA could lead to further controversy.
One X user joked: "Has Trump put in a request with FIFA to make it a best of 7 series with Belgium yet?"
Another wrote: "Donald Trump has demanded a replay of USA v Belgium because the US team was only allowed 11 players on the 'field' (he means pitch) and all the Belgian scorers should be red carded (whatever that means) for being disrespectful ... #LandOfTheFree eh?"
A third added: "Trump Will want a Review on this Match, so u guys can replay the match..."
Belgium will now face current European champions, Spain, in the quarter-finals on Friday.
