Belgium's 'Trump Dance' celebration sparks controversy after win over USA

Belgium secured a decisive 4-1 victory over the United States, a win that publications worldwide have interpreted as a form of "Belgian revenge." This sentiment stems from FIFA's decision to overturn a red card previously issued to American player Folarin Balogun.

The "Red Devils" dominated the match, with goals from Charles De Ketelaere (minutes 9 and 33), Hans Vanaken (minute 58), and Romelu Lukaku (minute 90+3). Malik Tillman scored the lone goal for the U.S. in the 31st minute.

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He came to see me. I liked his gesture. He is not to blame. He is not the one who should be blamed. I told him that.

Romelu Lukaku's late goal was followed by a celebration that captured significant attention. He and his teammates performed the "Trump Dance," a gesture that was not only joyful but also seen as a defiance against the U.S. president, who had reportedly requested the annulment of Balogun's red card in a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. This dance has previously been adopted by American athletes supporting Trump after his election.

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Without his direct fault, Balogun found himself at the center of a football world controversy in the last 36 hours, becoming the focal point of the tournament's biggest scandal. He did not, in general, have a major impact on the game.

Following the match, Belgian players admitted to feeling insulted by FIFA's ruling. Coach Rudi Garcia, however, opted to avoid further fueling the controversy. He emphasized that Balogun was not to blame for the politically charged situation, stating that the American forward had approached him after the game to express his feelings. Garcia reassured Balogun that he was not at fault.

The U.S. team's elimination from the tournament has drawn sharp criticism. "The Athletic" commented that Balogun found himself at the center of a football world controversy, becoming the focal point of the tournament's biggest scandal without significantly impacting the game. The publication lamented the missed opportunity for American soccer, stating, "They failed in the biggest test of their lives."

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With tens of millions of Americans in front of TV screens, unprecedented enthusiasm and popular support, it was an unprecedented opportunity for the US team, its players, and the sport. And they wasted it. They failed in the biggest test of their lives.