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Monday, July 6, 2026

Trump spikes the World Cup

Over the weekend, fans of the U.S. men's national soccer team simultaneously rejoiced and began to ask questions as soon as news came out that Folarin Balogun would be allowed to compete in Monday evening's game against Belgium.

Chief among them was whether President Donald Trump had indeed interfered with the process after Balogun had received a red card during the team's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Then, of course, during a gaggle with reporters on Monday, Trump bragged about calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino about the red card.

"He’s our best player, or one of our best players," Trump said. "And he gave him a red card. I didn’t know what that meant... Yes, I asked for a review by FIFA."

There is an irony in all this considering Balogun can play for the men's team because his Nigerian-born parents gave birth to him when they were vacationing in New York City.

But just last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Trump's efforts to roll back birthright citizenship, which has been a guaranteed constitutional right under the 14th amendment.

It now puts the men's squad in a peculiar position. For years, the United States' men's team has been a running joke, not only compared to other nations' teams, but even to the U.S. women's national soccer team.

But this particularly squad is actually quite good, making it to the round of 16 knockout stage for the first time since 2002.

The fact the World Cup is taking place in the United States, Mexico and Canada adds salience. Tonight's game will take place in the decidedly liberal Seattle.

Now, Trump's meddling risks putting an asterisk in what should be a joyous occasion for the United States.

Read more here.

By Eric Garcia

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