Belgium turned one of the biggest controversies of the 2026 FIFA World Cup into a memorable statement on the pitch, thrashing the United States 4-1 before celebrating with Donald Trump’s signature YMCA dance in scenes that quickly went viral across the globe.
The Round of 16 clash had already generated worldwide attention before kick-off after Trump reportedly urged FIFA to review the one-match suspension handed to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. The governing body later lifted the ban, allowing the American forward to feature in the high-stakes encounter, a decision that sparked widespread debate among football fans and pundits.
Despite the controversy, Belgium dominated the match from start to finish, producing a clinical performance to knock one of the tournament’s co-hosts out of the competition and book a place in the quarter-finals.
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans said the pre-match drama motivated the players to prove themselves where it mattered most.
“We told ourselves we needed to do our talking on the pitch. That’s what we did today,” he said after the match.
As soon as the final whistle sounded, Belgian players celebrated on the field before continuing the festivities inside the dressing room by recreating Trump’s trademark YMCA dance. Videos of the celebration spread rapidly across social media, making it one of the tournament’s most talked-about moments and adding another dramatic chapter to an already unforgettable FIFA World Cup.
