BRUSSELS — President Donald Trump’s involvement in FIFA’s disciplinary actions before the U.S.-Belgium soccer match had a surprising effect: it energized the Belgians.
Belgium, which had struggled in the group stage and the first knockout round, decisively defeated the U.S. in the round of 16. This came after Trump took steps to overturn a suspension for Folarin Balogun, a key American player.
Post-match, the Belgian team quickly responded to Trump with humor. A viral video showed them in the locker room, dancing to Y.M.C.A. by the Village People, a song famously associated with Trump’s campaign rallies.
During a significant NATO military summit in Ankara, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, known for his disinterest in soccer, was questioned about Trump’s actions and the suspension issue.
“We didn’t speak about football,” De Wever commented. “Football is, as they say, the most important of the non-important subjects, but it is still non-important, so I didn’t raise it,” he stated, echoing a sentiment often linked to Pope John Paul II, a well-known soccer enthusiast.
The Belgian national soccer team’s social media team summed up their victory with a pointed remark: “Overturn this,” they posted.
