The U.S. men's national soccer team’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked various analyses, including from former U.S. women's national team player Megan Rapinoe. On her podcast "A Touch More: The Beautiful Game," Rapinoe said the distraction caused by President Donald Trump contacting FIFA to overturn the red card suspension of U.S. star Folarin Balogun played a role in the team's loss to Belgium.

Balogun’s red card suspension was widely viewed as a questionable call. After Trump intervened, FIFA allowed Balogun to play, citing a rule previously used to permit Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo to participate under similar circumstances. Rapinoe argued that the involvement of Trump and the surrounding controversy distracted the team.

Rapinoe also commented on the current state of men's football, noting a lack of players willing to use their platform to broaden their scope of pressure and responsibility. She added that the team lacked a core of experienced older players and that most players rarely discuss broader issues.

Fox News commentators Kellyanne Conway and Tomi Lahren responded to the narrative blaming Trump, with Lahren asserting that the political left often blames Trump for national setbacks.

Sources