The USMNT has failed to advance to the FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals despite Donald Trump’s intervention. The team suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 match on Monday. The loss comes shortly after the president personally contacted FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to review the red card suspension of Team USA striker Folarin Balogun.
Donald Trump’s FIFA intervention over Folarin Balogun couldn’t prevent World Cup defeat
FIFA recently came under fire for lifting the red card suspension of the USMNT’s star player, Folarin Balogun. The decision came after Donald Trump personally spoke with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to review the suspension.
Speaking at the Oval Office later, Trump addressed the controversy (via CNN). “All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say, ‘You have to do this,’” the president argued. Trump added that he “didn’t think it was a foul.” According to him, Balogun “didn’t do anything wrong.”
After his red card suspension was lifted, Balogun played in the United States’ Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday. The USMNT suffered a major 4-1 defeat, failing to make it to the Quarterfinals.
Reflecting on the match, the US team’s central midfielder, Tyler Adams, said, “Today wasn’t a good day. It stings. This was a moment to have the opportunity to advance and really try and do something special.”
USMNT captain Tim Ream also opened up about the devastating defeat. “There are so many different thoughts and emotions that are running through me at the minute that I am not even thinking tactically or about what could have been different,” he said.
Ream added, “We knew what kind of impact we would be able to have, as long as we played well, and the performances were there. We were winning games, and obviously, that all comes to a halt now, but I don’t think the conversation changes.”
