Former President Donald Trump’s recent phone call to FIFA regarding a disputed red card in the US-Belgium World Cup match has ignited a political and sports firestorm, with analysts calling the move a strategic win-win for the former president. Trump criticized the referee’s decision, saying, “I think the referee’s call was horrible and nobody talks about that. They talk about the red card like it’s fine.” His comments, made during a holiday weekend that also marked America’s 250th birthday, have drawn both praise and scorn from across the political spectrum.
Trump’s involvement in soccer—a sport he has admitted knowing little about—has been framed by supporters as a savvy political maneuver. “There really is no bad outcome from him interfering in FIFA and World Cup matters,” one commentator noted. If the US wins, Trump could claim credit and appear at the next game to a standing ovation. If the US loses, critics argue, left-leaning Americans might root against the team out of opposition to Trump, giving Republicans ammunition for the 2026 midterms. The move has already galvanized Trump’s base, drawing casual fans into the World Cup conversation.
Critics, however, have accused Trump of overstepping his bounds and politicizing international sports. Social media posts from self-described Democrats cheering for Belgium over the US have fueled accusations of “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” with one user writing, “I’m rooting for Belgium because I can’t stand Trump.” The controversy has overshadowed the game itself, which pits the US against Belgium in a crucial match.
Meanwhile, in baseball, Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough faced backlash for pulling pitcher Eury Pérez during a perfect game on Sunday. Pérez had retired 18 consecutive batters before being removed after 90 pitches. McCullough defended the decision, citing Pérez’s recent return from the injured list and the team’s long-term goals. “There was a part of my heartstrings pulling at his opportunity to keep on going, but I have to think about Eury, one, and our organization, our team, and what’s best moving forward,” McCullough said. Fans and analysts condemned the move, noting that perfect games are extremely rare—only 24 have been thrown in MLB history—and that Pérez was not at a high pitch count.
In other sports news, country singer Carrie Underwood performed a patriotic set at the John Deere Classic, showcasing her fitness routine and drawing attention to her leg day regimen. The performance was part of a busy holiday weekend that also included NASCAR races and Fourth of July celebrations.
The US-Belgium match is expected to draw massive viewership, with Trump’s involvement adding an extra layer of intrigue. As one observer put it, “Trump’s sudden involvement pulls his core fanbase into the World Cup because they don’t care otherwise, and further galvanizes the country.” Whether the US wins or loses, the political fallout is likely to continue.
