Belgium dominated the match, fueled by two first-half goals from Charles De Ketelaere, a capitalizing strike from Hans Vanaken following an error by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese, and a stoppage-time goal by Romelu Lukaku.
The lone goal for the Americans was a deflected free kick by Malik Tillman.
The match was preceded by controversy surrounding the status of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, who was cleared to play after his red-card suspension was lifted following an unusual intervention from President Donald Trump, a decision that players on the Belgian side admitted gave them extra motivation.
With the defeat, the U.S. joins co-hosts Canada and Mexico as eliminated teams, while Belgium advances to play Spain in the quarterfinals."
MEIDAS TOUCH:
THE TRUMP EFFECT: The USA just lost to Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16 by a score of 4-1, right after Trump personally called FIFA to clear star striker Balogun to play.
Sports fans are calling it the Trump curse.
He attended the Super Bowl and predicted a Chiefs win, but the Eagles blew them out.
He was there when the Commanders hosted the Lions and lost at home.
He watched from a suite as Miami fell in the College Football National Championship.
He sat in the owner’s suite when the Knicks snapped their huge playoff streak in NBA Finals Game 3.
And he attended the Ryder Cup where Europe topped the US team.
36 comments:
Never believed this sorta stuff. But it's clear trump is a loser, in every real sense. So, maybe the loser jinxed every game he attended. Bad luck does seem to follow losers.
My thoughts on the Balogun Affair are posted at my substack.
Look, I'm no pollyanna, but I want sports as clean as possible from local/state/federal/world politics. I'd love a hard wall. Sports has enough problems on its own without people like Trump getting involved.
For me, it's not about Trump per se, it's about government putting thumbs on the scales if you will.
Here's the question people should ask, if this had happened to the Belgium team and their president intervened with FIFA to get a suspension overruled, would that have been right and proper?
Of course not.
Now, as to the game, the US had about 15 minutes overall of good soccer. Other than that they played the game on their heels, in a defensive crouch as we played years ago. It was totally a disappointing, mistake ridden performance at all levels and our fans deserved more.
But hey, there's always 2030.
"It's Trumps fault!"
Talk about TDS...
I don’t believe anyone is a “ jinx.” But from observations, we can deduce that Trump has very poor judgment. That plays out to be apparently true when we look at his colossal incompetence in starting a war with Iran.
The idea that everything Trump touches dies, is a result of looking at everything he’s done in his life. Therefore, we can come to the conclusion that he’s mostly an eff-up.
It is true that he won presidency twice. But so did Barack Obama! And people on this very blog claim that Mr. Obama never accomplished anything in his life!. so according to those people, winning the presidency twice isn’t much of an accomplishment. Just saying what other people think. I don’t agree with it.
Trump won the presidency twice. And directly after winning the presidency, he lost the confidence of the American people. His polling numbers are worse in his second term than they were in the first.
The stench of Trump will follow conservatives for the rest of their lives.
Joe... what's Trump's fault? Nothing. But it's a fair criticism for the soccer world to be critical of his involvement in the penalty card issue. A US President should not be taking actions in a sporting event that can move betting lines, be perceived to be playing favorites or putting a thumb on the scales.
Trump took an action, many of us, and indeed almost the entire international soccer world, disagreed.
Is every disagreement with Trump now TDS? Seems like it. Even when it comes from those of us who have defended him on some issues over the years.
And the stench emanating from the trump regime has become the Stench of America to the majority of the world.
“Belgian players mocked Trump with his own dumb dance and chanted, ‘Overturn this.’
They didn’t just celebrate a win. They turned Trump’s clown-show politics into the post-match story, overshadowing a U.S. men’s team that deserved better than being dragged into another pathetic ego stunt.
The humiliation says it all: when you drag politics, pressure, and ego into sport, don’t be shocked when the world laughs back.
And right now, the world is laughing at the USA again, because of Trump.” —Joe Walsh
So the US team was unmotivated and played that well. I don't believe trump had anything to do with the wins or the losses. It is the players who play and they were terrible.
He has to get his nose in everything and will for two more years. His actions are inexcusable but the dems still need more of a platform than we hate trump but love socialists. That may win in the hose and senate but that policy will not win in 2028.
skud: "...the dems still need more of a platform than we hate trump but love socialists. "
That is an absurd statement. No Democrat that I know of wants the US to embrace Socialism and become a Socialist country, which means the government would have control over the means of production. (BTW, you do know that the current Republican Party, led by Trump, has taken a financial interest in some corporations, for example, Intel.)
You're obviously confused. You've probably read about some Democrats that support Democratic socialism. Social democracy is NOT Socialism.
"Political analysts note that what many American voters—even those on the left—actually support is closer to European-style social democracy. This approach maintains a primarily market-driven economy but uses robust progressive taxation, social safety nets, and corporate regulation to limit inequality."
100% Correct Skud... the Dems need to make the affirmative case for voting this November and in 2028. And to date, they have not done so.
Shaw... but you see the issue right? What Dem has figured out a way to differentiate between Socialism [the bad kind] and Democratic Socialism [sometimes the good kind] in five words or less?
The phrase "if you're explaining, you're losing" is very apt here.
Did you happen to read where Toyota is going to invest 20 billion in the US to build vehicles here. Guess everything he touches doesn't turn to s-i-.
Robust taxation is another phrase for wealth distribution, the robin hood effect. After all why should someone who worked hard and achieved success be able to keep it. Much better to give it to someone else. I believe the saint was all into income distribution so it has been tried before. Democratic socialism is another word for socialism.
We are, and have been, a mix of socialism and capitalism for quite awhile. Anyone who thinks otherwise is kidding themselves.
It's democratic socialism or future extreme social dislocation and eventual economic collapse for the USA. Bank on it.
Dave, I'm sure Trump's not the first leader to ever call FIFA for a favour.
skud, If you thought this was a point for the Trump team you are correct. That said the plant hasn't been built yet. As of this time it's a concept of a plan, that's it. Will Toyota live up to its commitment? Who knows?
There is one thing I do know - believing this current admins claim about anything is a certain path to disappointment.
Shaw kindly provided the list of things that Trump touched that went pear shaped. Thus far the negatives outweigh the positives but good on you skud, being all independent and totally NOT carrying water for Trump, no sirree, you're independent!
Actually, it wasn't difficult to find the Democrats' affirmative cases for voting this November. I've heard and read about various Dems running for office speak on many of these issues. I don't know where people get the idea that all the Democrats stand for is "I hate Trump."
"Democrats have centered their 2026 midterm messaging on pocketbook affordability, protecting reproductive rights, and acting as a check against President Trump's administration and the Republican-controlled Congress.
The Democratic strategy is being organized at both the national and state levels, focusing on the following key arguments:
Affordability and Working-Class Focus: The Democratic National Committee is running campaigns targeting economic concerns. They are actively hammering Republicans for recent federal tax cut packages that they argue disproportionately benefit billionaires and cut vital health and food aid for everyday
Americans.Protection of Rights: High on the agenda for Democratic candidates is protecting access to abortion and reproductive healthcare, as well as pushing back against recent conservative Supreme Court rulings that have weakened the Voting Rights Act.
A Check on Power: With Republicans holding majorities in both the House and the Senate, Democrats are pitching themselves as a necessary balance. They are campaigning on launching aggressive congressional oversight and investigations into the Trump administration regarding corruption and the rule of law.
State-Level Firewall: Down-ballot organizations, like the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, are aggressively targeting state legislative races to break existing Republican supermajorities and flip key local seats."
From Reuters, 7/7/26:
Healthcare gives Democrats a potent midterms attack line in Iowa and beyond
Trump has repeatedly dismissed the ongoing cost-of-living crisis as a "hoax" and a "con job" created by Democrats. He has labeled the word "affordability" a "fake word" that Democrats use to push a false narrative about the economy.
Obviously, Trump and the Republicans see this issue as a big threat to them, so the only way to counter the claim is to call it a "hoax!"
The Dems need to keep hammering on this "kitchen table" issue because it affects everyone but the billionaires and tech bros.
Trump, as usual, is tone-deaf on this subject. What the hell would a billionaire know about affordability, especially one who just accepted a $400 million jet from Qatar while in office!
Trump breaks norms and laws the way most people breathe. Laws and norms are "for the little people," doncha know.
"Democratic socialism is another word for socialism."
Not exactly.
Socialism is a broad economic and political theory advocating that the community, rather than private individuals, should own and manage the means of production.
Democratic socialism is a specific branch of socialism that combines this collective economic ownership with a firm commitment to political democracy and civil liberties.
Socialism Core Principle: Social or state control of the economy and natural resources, aiming to distribute wealth based on individual need rather than profit.
Democratic Socialism Core Principle: Workers' self-management and democratic control of both the economy and society, eliminating the "dictatorship of capital" where large corporations make decisions.
Skud... I did see this. "Did you happen to read where Toyota is going to invest 20 billion in the US to build vehicles here. Guess everything he touches doesn't turn to s-i-."
But whether it is a good thing or not remains to be seen. This will harm an important ally of ours in innumerable ways. While the US will gain, according to experts, about 2000 jobs, Mexico will lose many more good paying jobs. Where will those people look for work?
If we want to harm Mexico, that's a presidential decision, above my paygrade. But let's remember, they are our largest trading partner, our next door neighbor and trouble there = trouble here.
Trump negotiated a trade deal with Mexico in round 1. Then trashed it saying whoever signed it was an idiot. Now he wants to reopen a signed deal, again.
It's just not helpful for business or allies.
But as I said, yes, I saw it.
BTW, the happiest and most thriving countries on the planet are social democracies:
Social Democracy (Nordic Model): Maintains a capitalist economy and private ownership, but utilizes high taxation, strong labor unions, and universal social programs (like free healthcare and education) to reduce economic inequality.
What percent of bankruptcies are caused by medical bills in the US?
Approximately two-thirds of personal bankruptcies in the U.S. are associated with medical expenses or illness-related loss of work.
It's difficult to live a happy life when a catastrophic illness or accident can wipe you out financially. This is a scandal for America, the richest country on the planet. Trump's lied to the American people in his first administration about delivering a better and more affordable health care plan to the American people.
Instead, his administration has TAKEN AWAY health care from millions of Americans.
Trump's legacy will be the ruination of millions and millions of Americans because of his cruelty in their losing their health care coverage:
"Recent legislative changes and policy implementations under the Trump administration have significantly altered health care access, resulting in millions of Americans losing their health insurance coverage.
Under H.R. 1—frequently referred to as the "Big Beautiful Bill" or "Big Ugly Bill" enacted in July 2025—the administration and congressional Republicans enacted over $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Independent evaluations and real-time data demonstrate that these changes have restricted eligibility, reduced financial assistance, and forced millions of people off their health.'
What kind of a hellish country does this to its own citizens? I'll tell you, a country that caters to the billionaires and oligarchs and gives the finger to everyone else.
That's Trump's legacy.
Ms. Shaw, Everything the dems do revolve around trump. When jeffers was asked what their platform is his response was beat trump, schumer was the same. Trump is gone in two years and the dems won't have him to blame for their lack of policy. You say all the great things the dems stand for but if you listen to the average American when asked what the dems stand for it is we hate trump. That is much the same as democrat socialism, people hear socialism.
Our healthcare system is and has been broken forever. Our elected elite are either to incompetent or don't care to work on a workable plan. That is democrats and republicans because they just can't get over blaming the other.
So you're using the "everyone else cheats, so why can't Trump?"
No, I'm saying you're expected to cheat. You think that the world cup is about sportsmanship? Last year they gave Trump the World Soccer peace prize... (in other words, it's ALL about pandering)
...besides, FIFA made $13 billion from the 4 year 2026 tournament cycle, $8.9b from the US tournaments alone. That almost double their take from the 2022 cycle.
ie - Accusations of FIFA favoritism typically fall into three categories: controversial refereeing at major tournaments, preferential disciplinary rulings for global superstars, and manipulated award voting. The most notable examples are frequently debated across international football.
1. Officiating and VAR Double Standards
The 2026 World Cup Outcry: During Argentina's Round of 16 victory over Egypt, match officials faced global criticism for utilizing VAR inconsistently. Fans and opposing delegations highlighted double standards when a late penalty appeal by Mohamed Salah was denied without VAR review, while Argentina decisions were green-lighted.
The 2022 World Cup Penalties: Argentina was awarded five penalties in six games during their title run in Qatar, leading rival fans and pundits to claim the tournament's officiating was institutionally engineered.
2. Superstar Disciplinary Leniency
Lionel Messi in 2007: Former referee Carlos Chandia publicly admitted that he intentionally refrained from giving Messi a second yellow card—which would have suspended him from the Copa América final—because it would have prevented him from the final. In exchange, Chandia received Messi’s match jersey.
Cristiano Ronaldo in 2025: Fans have pointed to FIFA's decision to reduce Ronaldo's three-match ban (incurred during a World Cup qualifier) to just one match, which ensured he was available to play in crucial opening fixtures.
3. Ballon d'Or and Award Adjustments
The 2013 Ballon d'Or Extension: Critics frequently point to FIFA’s decision to extend the voting deadline for the 2013 Ballon d'Or. The extension allowed voters to consider Ronaldo's hat-trick against Sweden, resulting in him winning the award.2021 Special Award: FIFA created a new, unprecedented special award to honor the top scorer in international football, which was given directly to Ronaldo at the FIFA Best Awards.
The only thing worse that FIFA officiating is US NFL officiating. It's why I don't watch either form of futbol.
I asked Google AI on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the biggest scandal in FIFA hisory how the Trump red card intervention rated. This was its' response:
President Trump's call to FIFA requesting a review of Folarin Balogun's red card ranks around a 2 or 3 on the historic scale.
While it sparked controversy, a political leader lobbying for a national team player pales in comparison to the 10-level scandals that plagued FIFA, such as the 2015 U.S. federal indictments (which involved widespread racketeering, money laundering, and massive multi-million dollar bribery schemes that toppled the organization's top executives) or systemic votes-for-cash in World Cup hosting bids
Government sucks at doing ANY job. It's all just kayfabe blaming and excuse making. The real reason is, it's a hammer that sees every problem as a nail.
Not entirely true. There are many things that the government does very well. You're just a cynic and conspiracist that sees everything the government does as a nail you like to hammer.
From AI:
Governments generally excel at providing large-scale public goods, managing complex social safety nets, and enforcing nationwide standards.
In the United States, standout successes include:
Social Insurance & Healthcare: Administering massive, reliable programs like Social Security for retirees and Medicare for the elderly and disabled.
Scientific Research: Funding foundational research that leads to breakthroughs, with early government-backed projects evolving into foundational tools like the Internet and weather forecasting.
Public Infrastructure & Utilities: Connecting the country through the Interstate Highway System, Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control, and federal dams for electrical power.
Health & Safety Regulations: Enforcing protections like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, alongside strict food safety inspections by the FDA.
Universal Services: Operating vital operations like the United States Postal Service, which guarantees delivery to every residential address, regardless of location.
Are they all perfect? No. The people who deliver these services are not perfect human beings, so we will always have to deal with imperfections.
But you see everything government does as a holy mess instead of seeing successes in an imperfect world run by imperfect human beings.
skud: "...the dems won't have him to blame for their lack of policy."
No. You're wrong. I listed several policies the Democrats propose. You stubbornly refuse to acknowledge that they, in fact, do have policies, even when I present them to you: Affordability, Health Care, Protection of Rights (Voting Rights) , etc.
That's apparently because you have a mental block against all things the Democrats do. That's your problem, not theirs, nor mine. I gave you facts, you ignored them. You didn't even acknowledge the list of the Democrats' policies I posted here! I may as well have been offering these facts to a brick wall for all the good it did to convince you!
skud: "That is much the same as democrat socialism, people hear socialism."
That mishearing is because the average American adult reads at a 7th- to 8th-grade level, with 54% of adults reading below a 6th-grade level. Approximately 21% are functionally illiterate and struggle to perform basic tasks like reading an explicit instruction.
Is it any wonder why people "hear socialism," when "democratic socialism or social democracy" is meant?
"The U.S. stands out for having a disproportionately polarized skills distribution—while having a solid share of highly proficient readers, the U.S. also has a growing number of adults functioning at the lowest literacy levels."
I laugh at the absurdity of MAGAts like Joe Con, -FJ, skud, and all who support their idiotic mindless set of blabber points.
In this country the government IS, the people, at least so far. The folks who cast their ballots for all elected officials. Legislation is the result, or at least it used to be, of bipartisan agreement among those elected by the people.
So, what MAGAt Joe Con is really saying is government sucks at everything UNLESS it aligns with his authoritarian Fuhrer trump's and the trumpublican party's authoritarian rascist agenda.
There was once a time when the republican party had credibility and decency. Think Teddy Roosevelt. But that party is gone. Dead. It no longer exists and in its place we have a party that essentially works for bilionaires and huge corporations. That and constant war mongering in support of te MIC.
At any rate, unless the people of this nation, all of them, fully open their eyes and ears this nation as we've known it is finished. The beacon of hope and liberty will be just another authoritarian state run by authoritarians. Where the rule of men and their desires will replace the rule of law completely.
-FJ is OK with "working the refs" if it's Trump and Republicans. This is the MAGA way.
Let me add a coda to the actual theme, Trump intervening into a World Cup call by the refs on the field.
The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times of London, two publications that would never be seen as anything but conservative, have also said Trump erred when he inserted himself into something to which he did not belong.
Speaking of #ETTD, can anyone of our conservatives here, or who are lurking from the HMS Mothership, tell us what happened to Trump's promise and demand for unconditional surrender from Iran?
Seriously, the dude bombed Iran, in OUR name, and now the entire region is a global hotspot, the Strait of Hormuz is closed again, gas prices are rising again and no one in the admin is telling us WTF is going on.
Trump's presser at the NATO summit was a national embarrassment.
I remember certain commenters here at P.E. who went on and on about former President Biden's mental state but remain silent in the face of Trump obvious decline in mental acuity.
He made a reference to "The Islamic Republic of Japan." He referred to Zelenskyy as "President Putin." He told journalists that he won the presidency 3 times, because he won in 2020, which he again lied about, saying it was rigged. He insulted Spain and threatened to cut off all trade with a country of 50 million people. Why? Because they did not kiss his prodigious posterior and let him use their bases for operations in Iran (Trump never consulted NATO allies on his Iran War, nor Congress and the American people either.)
It's profoundly humiliating to listen to Trump stumbling through his confused attempts to think and speak. The damage caused by his ignorant attempts to mob-boss his way though his term is unbelievable.
I remember certain commenters here asking why former President Biden's wife allowed Biden's aides to put him in front of cameras and microphones in his declining mental state, but the same commenters are silent about Trump's
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