Did Donald Trump play a role in the US national team’s failed attempt to win the World Cup? Those who believe in the ‘Trump Curse’ might argue that it contributed to the team’s significant defeat.
There are various theories circulating online that suggest Trump is the primary reason the men’s football team fell to a 4-1 loss during their Round of 16 match against Belgium.
At first, this might seem improbable, but the peculiar coincidences highlighted by people on social media may make the idea more plausible than expected.
Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the US hosted, controversy arose over Trump’s involvement in the appeal against Folarin Balogun’s suspension. This incident seemed to trigger a downturn for the team.
The situation escalated after FIFA president Gianni Infantino was approached by Trump to reconsider the red card given to Balogun during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This intervention allowed Balogun to participate in the match that ultimately dashed the US’s hopes of dominating the sport on a global scale.
Trump’s presence has been associated with failed outcomes for other teams as well.
Throughout his career in business and presidency, Trump has attended numerous sporting events, often with unfavorable results for the teams involved.
The concept of the ‘Trump Curse’ emerged as an explanation for why his presence seemed to favor the opposing teams.
For instance, his attendance at the New York Knicks’ Game 3 on June 8 coincided with their loss in the NBA Finals, marking their only defeat in that series.
This prompted Knicks fans to accuse Trump of ‘cursing’ the team, with some even performing a cleansing ritual at Madison Square Garden using sage.
Remarkably, following the ritual, the Knicks went on to win the series.
In November 2025, Trump attended a Washington Commanders game where the Detroit Lions won 44-22, but subsequently lost five of their last eight games and missed the playoffs.
Due to Trump’s presence, former NFL player Kenny Stills referred to this phenomenon as the ‘Trump Curse’ online.
Additionally, Trump’s attendance at the 2025 Ryder Cup’s first day at Bethpage’s Black Course saw the US trailing 3-1 against Europe.
Trump expressed confidence, telling reporters, “we’ll get it done,” but Europe ultimately triumphed 15-13.
In January of this year, Trump witnessed Indiana secure a 27-21 victory over Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship, attending with his family.
Before Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, Trump predicted that the Kansas City Chiefs would defeat the Philadelphia Eagles, but that prediction didn’t come to pass.
Since the US’s World Cup loss, Trump has faced criticism online, with one football fan even stating on X that ‘everything Trump touches dies’.
Following Belgium’s victory celebration with a ‘Trump dance’, an online comment noted: “Apparently, they haven’t heard about the Trump curse.”
Is the ‘Trump Curse’ a real phenomenon, or is it merely coincidence?
UNILAD has contacted the White House for their response.