Nothing says patriotism quite like cheering for Belgium because you are mad about a phone call. Yet here we are, living in the dumbest timeline, where actual American citizens hopped on social media to announce they want the Belgian national team to beat the United States in the World Cup. On American soil. During a tournament America is hosting. All because the president picked up the phone.
As USA Journal reported, the whole saga started when U.S. striker Folarin Balogun got a red card for stepping on an opponent's ankle. Coaches, players, and fans across the political spectrum thought the call was excessive. Balogun himself said a yellow card was more appropriate. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino called it harsh. Pretty standard sports disagreement so far.
Then President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked for a review. FIFA's independent judicial bodies looked at the tape, agreed the punishment was too severe, and cleared Balogun to play. Infantino even put out a statement saying the decision to lift the suspension had nothing to do with Trump's call. So we have a bad call, a review, and a reversal on the merits. The system worked. Roll credits.
But no. Some folks on the left decided this was the last straw. One poster wrote, "Used to be all-in on the USA tonight, but after Trump personally called the FIFA president and got them to reverse a suspension... Tonight I'm rooting for Belgium." Another announced they were "rooting for Belgium and the rule of law," apparently not noticing the comedic gold of invoking the rule of law while abandoning your own country over a soccer disciplinary review.
Let us pause and appreciate what is happening here. These are not people with a deep, abiding love for Belgian football. These are not people who have been following Romelu Lukaku's career arc since his Anderlecht days. These are people so allergic to anything that might reflect positively on one specific man that they would rather cheer against their own country in front of the entire world than accidentally feel a moment of national pride.
This is the sports equivalent of refusing to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner because your uncle voted differently than you. Except instead of quietly fuming over the turkey, you are publicly announcing your allegiance to a country most Americans could not locate on an unlabeled map.
The progression has been something to behold over the years. It started with yard signs and hashtags, moved through cheering for economic downturns and foreign policy failures, and has now reached its final form: rooting for Belgium in a World Cup match hosted on American soil because a president advocated for an American athlete who got a questionable red card.
Meanwhile, normal people who do not calculate the geopolitical implications of every corner kick will be watching the match tonight, wearing red, white, and blue, and having a good time. The Belgium fans can enjoy explaining to their neighbors why they suddenly care about a country famous for waffles and chocolate.
Go USA.
Read more conservative news commentary at: USA Journal News
