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Iran took fresh aim at Donald Trump and FIFA after Belgium knocked the USA out of the World Cup, saying “politics’ humiliating defeat by football” was being celebrated.
(Credit: AP)
What goes around comes around.
Iran had the last laugh, as Team Melli delivered a pointed response to Donald Trump after Belgium ended the USMNT’s FIFA World Cup campaign with a crushing 4-1 victory.
The USA’s Round of 16 exit came just 24 hours after FIFA controversially suspended Balogun’s automatic one-match ban, allowing the striker to face Belgium despite his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The decision followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s admission that he had spoken to FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the case, sparking accusations of political interference from across the football world.
Iran’s Veiled Swipe
Reacting to the American defeat, an Iranian Football Federation spokesperson reportedly appeared to take aim at both Trump and FIFA.
“Now the whole world is dancing to celebrate politics’ humiliating defeat by football,” the spokesperson said, according to The Telegraph.
The remark came after weeks in which Iran had repeatedly criticised the conditions it faced during the tournament.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei had previously described his side as the “most oppressed” nation at the World Cup, citing visa delays, travel restrictions and logistical hurdles during the United States-hosted competition.
Iran’s campaign was shaped as much by off-field complications as events on the pitch, with recurring questions over whether geopolitical tensions had compromised competitive fairness. Their experience reignited debate over whether FIFA should have done more to ensure equal preparation for every nation.
Belgium’s Message
Belgium, meanwhile, made its own statement after eliminating the hosts.
Following Romelu Lukaku’s stoppage-time goal, several Belgian players celebrated by mimicking Trump’s trademark dance, while Belgium’s official social media account posted a simple message: “Overturn this” — an apparent reference to Balogun’s overturned suspension.
While Belgium marched into the quarter-finals, the Balogun controversy continues to cast a shadow over the World Cup — raising uncomfortable questions about whether football can remain insulated from political influence when the stakes are at their highest.
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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