Trump Called FIFA. America Lost Anyway.

The president intervened in a World Cup. Europe called it a scandal. Belgium said it felt like April Fools. Then they beat us 4-1.

For 24 days, the 2026 World Cup had achieved something almost miraculous in modern America: it had almost nothing to do with Donald Trump.

That ended last Wednesday with a phone call.

Folarin Balogun, the United States team’s leading scorer with three goals, received a straight red card in the 64th minute of the round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovin…