Goals weren’t the only thing that flew in Seattle, neither were field goals. After demolishing the United States 4-1 in a fierce World Cup knockout match, the Belgian national football team didn’t just celebrate, they sent a clear message to Donald Trump. For all the pre-match hype, the contest itself was downright brutal. The U.S. was never able to get a win as Belgium ran riot, capitalizing on defensive mistakes and controlling the pace from start to finish.
Goals from Charles De Ketelaere, Hans Vanaken, and a last-minute strike from Romelu Lukaku sealed a 4-1 victory that sent the home team to defeat.
The famous ‘Trump’ dance that stole the limelight
After Lukaku’s late goal, several Belgian dancers celebrated by mimicking Trump’s signature campaign dancea very widespread move during his election in 2024. It was not a trick or a coincidence, it was a complete dig, and the celebration did not stop there. Inside the locker room, videos showed the players rehearsing, laughing and hugging in the moment.
‘Undo this’: Belgium’s social media fanatic
If the dance wasn’t enough, the official Belgian account released an online knockout match. Posting a photo of Lukaku celebrating, they wrote: “Bandua this.” The message was a direct reference to the controversy that had surrounded the game, the decision to allow USA striker Folarin Balogun to play despite an earlier red card.
What is Balogun’s controversy?
Balogun was sent off in the previous round, which led to an automatic one-match suspension. But in bad circumstances, the ban was suspended, a decision that came after that Trump publicly confirmed that he had asked Gianni Infantino to “review” the case. The move sparked outrage in the football world. The Belgian football association said it was “surprised,” even launching an appeal, only to have it dismissed. FIFA maintained that its disciplinary process was independent.
‘Sense of justice’
Midfielder Nicolas Raskin admitted that the squad felt aggrieved heading into the game. “A lot has happened off the field in the last two days. There was a sense of injustice within the squad, and we were determined to respond on the field,” he said.
Captain Youri Tielemans echoed that sentiment: “We told ourselves we had to respond on the field. That’s what we did.”
Belgium players did the Trump dance in the locker room to taunt the USMNT after their 4-1 win in the last 16 of the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/zld9dwiUiv
– USMNT Only (@usmntonly) July 7, 2026
Belgium players do “Trump Dance” in locker room after knocking USA out of World Cup
LEGAL 😭 pic.twitter.com/uiNCKOcA8S
– Hater Report (@HaterReport) July 7, 2026
🚨🇧🇪 BREAKING — World Cup:
Belgium Trolls Trump With His Own Dance
They did it AGAIN in Locker Rooms lol pic.twitter.com/gtetofAggx
— Pamphlets (@PamphletsY) July 7, 2026
After Belgium scored the 4th goal against the USA, the whole team mocked President Donald Trump by doing his signature dance
Pretty brutal, especially on US soil and after Trump fought for FIFA to review Balogun’s false red card suspension.
Well played 🤝 pic.twitter.com/HRgRwUUzNH
– Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) July 7, 2026
The USA refuses to use controversy as an excuse
Manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted disappointment, but refused to blame the result on external factors: “It didn’t affect our performance. It’s not an excuse. It wasn’t our day.”
Defender Tim Ream backed that up: “No, it had no impact, nothing to do with us as players.”
Balogun himself distanced himself from the drama: “I was not involved in the process, and that is not something that has anything to do with me personally.”
Belgium is now ready to face Spain in the match FIFA World Cup 11pm GST on Friday, July 10, 2026.
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