Youri Tielemans: Donald Trump's intervention inspired Belgium's World Cup win over USMNT
Youri Tielemans reveals how the FIFA U-turn on Folarin Balogun's red card, following Donald Trump's intervention, motivated Belgium to defeat the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Kenny Rowland
Midfielder Youri Tielemans has opened up about how external political pressure during the 2026 World Cup provided extra motivation for the Belgian squad. Ahead of the round-of-16 clash, news broke that US President Donald Trump had personally intervened to ensure striker Folarin Balogun could face Belgium. Balogun had been sent off in the previous round, but his one-game ban was remarkably suspended for a year following discussions between the White House and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
"We were surprised by the decision to revert the red card, but that is part of the game," Tielemans said from Manchester United's pre-season camp in Ireland. "For us, it did not really change anything other than our preparation because it was a different type of player than the one originally expected. We remained calm and accepted our fate, trying to have a good game."
Belgium dominated the match in Seattle, securing a 4-1 victory. The Belgian players notably mocked the pre-match controversy by performing the "Trump dance" after scoring. Tielemans confirmed that the celebrations were nice and funny.
The 29-year-old is now focusing on his domestic career following his £35m move from Aston Villa to join the revolution at Old Trafford. After winning more tackles than any of his teammates at Villa last season, Tielemans is working to return to full fitness after enduring a demanding World Cup schedule. He is set to feature in United's friendly against Leeds United as he prepares for the Premier League opener against Hull City.