FIFA World Cup 2026: Belgium players perform "Trump dance" after 4-1 win over USA
Seattle, July 7
Belgium players celebrated their emphatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 victory over hosts United States with a dance inspired by US President Donald Trump after securing a commanding 4-1 win, according to the New York Post.
Following Romelu Lukaku's stoppage-time goal that completed Belgium's dominant victory at Seattle Stadium, Lukaku and several teammates gathered together and performed the viral dance associated with President Trump as part of their celebrations, according to the news outlet New York Post.
The gesture came moments after Lukaku sealed Belgium's place in the quarter-finals with a late strike, adding to goals from Charles De Ketelaere, who scored a brace, and Hans Vanaken.
Meanwhile, the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) thanked its supporters after the hosts' FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to an end with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16.
In a post on X following the elimination, the USMNT expressed gratitude to fans for their unwavering support throughout the tournament, acknowledging the role they played in backing the team on home soil.
"You believed. You filled stadiums. You brought the game into homes and communities across the country. Most of all, you showed everyone what this crest means. Thank you," the USMNT wrote on X.
Coming to the match, Belgium stormed into the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a commanding 4-1 victory over the hosts, the United States, at Seattle Stadium.
Charles De Ketelaere starred with a brace to earn the Player of the Match award, while Hans Vanaken scored his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal and substitute Romelu Lukaku added a stoppage-time strike, marking his third consecutive World Cup match with a goal.
Belgium dominated much of the contest despite the USA briefly equalising through Malik Tillman's deflected free-kick. A costly goalkeeping error by Matt Freese allowed Belgium to extend their lead before Lukaku sealed the emphatic win late on.
The defeat ended the United States' campaign, making them the last of the three co-host nations to exit the tournament after Canada and Mexico. Belgium will next face Spain in the quarter-finals on July 10 after the Spanish side knocked out Portugal in the Round of 16.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is like when people used to do the Dhoni helicopter celebration after matches—copying a famous figure's signature move. But here, they're imitating a political leader which might ruffle feathers. Honestly, I didn't even know Trump had a 'dance' 🤔. Belgium played well, but let's keep sports and politics separate, yaar. And kudos to America for hosting such a great tournament despite the result!
I'm an Indian football fan, and I love watching the World Cup. Belgium was clinical—De Ketelaere is a future star, and Lukaku's record speaks for itself. But the Trump dance? Come on, that's just cringe-worthy and disrespectful. The US team gave their all, and their fans were amazing throughout. Also, Matt Freese's error was heartbreaking. India should take note of how America builds football culture—from filling stadiums to community support. We need that energy here!
As someone who follows global football, I think the dance adds a bit of theatrics to the game—sort of like how South African teams used to do the 'Makhenkeni' dance. But aping a US president in a World Cup match? Not classy. Belgium played brilliantly, and I respect their skill, but they could have just celebrated their goals. The USMNT's message on X was touching—they really did bring the country together. India needs to learn from their sports culture.
Honestly, I'm just happy football is getting this kind of attention in the West—usually it's all cricket here in India 😄. The Trump dance is silly, but it's not that deep. Belgium is a powerhouse, and the scoreline shows it. Lukaku is a beast. The US team showed heart, especially Tillman. I hope India can qualify for the World Cup in my lifetime—seeing stadiums full like in America is inspiring. Politics aside, this was a good match!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.