Belgium mock Team USA with Trump dance after brutal World Cup thrashing
Team USA’s World Cup dream ended in humiliating fashion after a crushing 4-1 defeat to Belgium — and the post-match reaction made the night even more painful for the hosts.
Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku and his team-mates celebrate with a ‘Trump dance’, mocking the US President
Trump boards Air Force One hours after his intervention with FIFA
Belgium were already celebrating a statement victory when Romelu Lukaku and several teammates appeared to copy Donald Trump’s well-known dance, instantly turning the result into a viral moment. The gesture came after days of controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun, whose red-card suspension had been overturned by FIFA following pressure from the US President.
An Iranian spokesman posted this on social media, rubbing salt in the wounds
Disconsolate American fans watch on as their side are humiliated on the world stage
For many critics, the decision had already raised uncomfortable questions about politics interfering with football. Belgium’s celebration seemed to pour petrol on the fire. Their official social media account added to the drama with a blunt message: “Overturn this.”
On the pitch, Belgium were ruthless. Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring after just nine minutes, punishing poor American defending. Malik Tillman briefly gave the home crowd hope with a deflected free-kick, but Belgium quickly regained control. De Ketelaere struck again before Hans Vanaken capitalised on a costly goalkeeping mistake from Matt Freese to make it 3-1.
Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared three phone calls before the overturning
Lukaku then sealed the emphatic win late on, taking advantage of another defensive error before joining in the celebration that would dominate the headlines. For Belgium, it was a powerful response after their anger over the Balogun controversy. For the United States, it was a bitter and deeply public collapse.
The reaction around the world was brutal. Commentators and fans mocked the possibility of another intervention, with jokes spreading online about whether the result might somehow be reviewed overnight. Supporters also targeted Balogun, pointing to his quiet performance after the controversy that surrounded his eligibility for the match.
Jubilant Belgium fans took extra joy in rubbing in their victory given the preceding events
Balogun later admitted Belgium were the better side and said the disappointment was difficult to put into words. He insisted he had no role in the decision to overturn his suspension and simply accepted FIFA’s ruling.
But the damage was done. The United States are out, Belgium march on, and the image of Lukaku’s Trump-style celebration may become one of the defining moments of this World Cup knockout round.
In the end, Belgium did not just beat Team USA. They humiliated them — and then danced on the moment.
