Updated

Updated · The Daily Beast · Jul 8

Tiffany Haddish Ties Trump to Team USA's 4-1 World Cup Loss as 'Trump Curse' Trends

Updated

Updated · The Daily Beast · Jul 8

Tiffany Haddish Ties Trump to Team USA's 4-1 World Cup Loss as 'Trump Curse' Trends

Q: After a president bent the rules, why did the U.S. team still face a humiliating defeat?

The U.S. still lost badly because overturning Folarin Balogun’s suspension did not fix the team’s deeper problems, and Belgium was clearly the better side. Balogun was available after FIFA suspended the automatic one-match ban following President Trump’s intervention, but his presence had little effect on the game. Belgium won 4-1 by exposing repeated U.S. defensive failures and controlling the key moments. The Americans conceded in the ninth minute, then gave up another goal almost immediately after Malik Tillman’s equalizer, a sign of poor concentration and game management. The defeat was driven by defensive breakdowns more than by any single selection decision. Belgium repeatedly found space, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and assisting another. U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese also made a major error on Belgium’s third goal, and the back line struggled with marking, clearances and possession under pressure. By the end, the U.S. had been punished for missed assignments, giveaways and a lack of cohesion. Belgium’s overall quality and depth were decisive. Even without starting some top names, they outplayed the U.S. with sharper movement, better finishing and more composure. Coach Mauricio Pochettino admitted his team never really connected with the match or showed its usual level. The controversy around Balogun dominated the buildup, but it did not change the basic reality on the field: Belgium was stronger, and the U.S. made too many costly mistakes to compete.

3 articles · Updated · The Daily Beast · Jul 8

Tiffany Haddish used Team USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium to joke that Donald Trump’s bruised, makeup-covered hands reflect a broader “Trump Curse.”
Trump had acknowledged calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn Folarin Balogun’s suspension after a red card, a move that drew accusations of political interference and corruption.
Belgium still routed the U.S., then mocked Trump on the field with his signature dance; its social team posted Lukaku’s celebration with the caption “Overturn this.”
The backlash quickly spread online, where “Trump Curse” trended alongside renewed attention to a string of losses by teams Trump had backed or attended.