The fever of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has spread all across the world. An electric tournament so far has seen the stars shine brightly, while also delivering instant classics and huge upsets.
However, one of the more shocking results of the entire tournament came in the Round of 16, as Belgium thrashed the hosting USA 4-1. A former NFL quarterback, though, blamed President Donald Trump’s role in dividing the country as the main reason for the loss.
President Donald Trump or USMNT Defense – Who’s to Blame?
The entire situation came about with Folarin Balogun. After being given a red card in the Round of 32 matchup, his suspension was overturned by FIFA. However, details of a direct conversation between Trump and the federation came out.
As a result, many believed the tournament was playing favorites with the host nation, which was made worse by the President claiming that he advised them towards it. As a result, some Americans decided to root against the national team as a way to oppose Trump.
Unfortunately, Balogun’s presence did not make much difference for the squad. After scoring two or more goals in each World Cup game so far, the US team put on an abysmal performance against Belgium. Scoring the lone goal on a deflected free kick, they gave up four goals, including two comical errors from the defense.
However, Robert Griffin III did not see it that way. Even though he gave some credit to the opposing side, the dynamic dual-threat quarterback believed the loss could be traced directly to Trump.
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He wrote on X, “We lost because (Belgium is a better team), we weren’t a united front as fans. We are supposed to be the United States of America, not the divided states of America.” Unfortunately, his comments did not sit well with most of social media.
Bonta Hill of NBCS Authentic did not mince words as he fired back, “The fans had nothing to do with the US getting humbled. Knock it off, lol.” Another user on X couldn’t believe the words from Griffin, writing, “When you don’t even follow soccer but know the take is still stupid.”
When you don’t even follow soccer but know the take is still stupid https://t.co/bAjk7zK8oa pic.twitter.com/NU3jsRLBQz
— Kei (@RealMamaEagle) July 7, 2026
A lot of people were particularly offended by Griffin’s comments. As a result, some even took shots at his football career. “Robert Griffin III blaming the fans, who had nothing to do with the loss, explains a lot about why he absolutely sucked at quarterback in the NFL after 2012.”
It wasn’t a singular example either. Matt Royer added, “The man with glass bones and paper skin, using his expertise on losing since that’s all he did for us here in DC. Lmao cmon man.”
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Since turning to a sports media role, some believed it had become a trend with RG3. “Leave it to ole Bob Griffin to turn a poor showing on the field into something more than it was. Our defense was buns…had nothing to do with fans being divided.”
The exasperation could be clearly felt from Dallas Cowboys beat writer Clarence Hill Jr. as he exclaimed, “Come on, man.” He wasn’t the only one who was done with the discourse, as Samuel Sey joked, “This take deserves a red card.”
However, even as most took clear offense to his comments, Griffin wasn’t universally blasted for his opinion. Instead, some found credence in his words, pointing to direct commentary from the World Cup as proof.
“This guy has CTE, so whatever, but the announcer also said something about how the country united behind the team, & I think Trump actually forced the opposite. I know a lot of people who were rooting against the team solely because of what Trump did.”
Another user on X added, “I can’t believe you’re paid to give your opinion on sports. You don’t have to deep throat the boot my dude. Shut up.”
It is hard to point to Trump as the reason for the USMNT’s loss. The showing on the field was downright poor and a far cry from the standard they’d set for themselves through the first few stages of the tournament.
After what many claimed was the best soccer team the country had ever sported on the international stage, the result is undeniably disappointing. Now, as the four-year wait begins, the team has many questions to answer.
A win would have been marked with an “asterisk” that benefited the Trump brand. The players carried that mental burden. A team playing for USA wins. A team playing for a brand. . . not so much.
This is the dumbest story I have ever read
Of course it is his failure. Just like showing up to MSG to course the Knicks.
you read my mind. but in truth , its pretty obvious
Bruh the Knicks won the championship.