USMNT exits World Cup with loss to Belgium, reigniting Trump curse debate
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 4:00 AM
Last updated Jul 7, 2026
The U.S. men's national team was defeated 4-1 by Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concluding their tournament run. This match followed President Donald Trump's request for FIFA to review a controversial red card issued to Folarin Balogun in a previous game. Amid the aftermath of the loss, questions surrounding a potential 'Trump sports curse' have resurfaced, with fans recalling previous instances of poor performances by teams Trump attended. Recently, Trump's presence reportedly coincided with the New York Knicks suffering their only NBA Finals loss this summer, reinforcing the narrative among some fans.
- •USMNT falls 4-1 to Belgium in World Cup match.
- •President Trump intervened regarding Balogun's suspension.
- •Knicks also lost their only NBA Finals game Trump attended.
- •Previous losses by teams Trump watched fuel 'curse' theory.
- 12:24 PMYahoo Sports — Sports Fans Convinced There’s a ‘Trump Curse’ After USMNT World Cup Ouster
- 4:00 AMYahoo Sports — Is there a Trump sports curse? USMNT's World Cup flameout revives the theory
"President Donald Trump's intervention in the World Cup before the USMNT's elimination has convinced sports fans the commander in chief is nothing but a jinx.
"From the Knicks' NBA Finals stumble to USMNT's Belgium blowout, a pattern keeps surfacing whenever the president shows up. Is it real?
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 7, 2026, 12:24 PMSports Fans Convinced There’s a ‘Trump Curse’ After USMNT World Cup Ouster
President Donald Trump's intervention in the World Cup before the USMNT's elimination has convinced sports fans the commander in chief is nothing but a jinx.
- Yahoo SportsJul 7, 2026, 4:00 AMIs there a Trump sports curse? USMNT's World Cup flameout revives the theory
From the Knicks' NBA Finals stumble to USMNT's Belgium blowout, a pattern keeps surfacing whenever the president shows up. Is it real?
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