Belgium’s players celebrated their emphatic 4-1 victory over the United States in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 by performing the iconic “Y.M.C.A.” dance, a routine closely associated with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The celebration followed controversy before the match, when Trump reportedly urged FIFA to review the one-match suspension handed to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA later overturned the ban, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium—a decision that sparked criticism and accusations of political interference.
Belgian captain Youri Tielemans said the incident motivated his teammates, adding that they responded by letting their football do the talking on the pitch.
After Romelu Lukaku scored Belgium’s fourth goal, he and several teammates celebrated by mimicking Trump’s signature fist-pumping dance. The squad later repeated the routine while singing “Y.M.C.A.” in the dressing room, in what many interpreted as a light-hearted taunt directed at Trump.
Belgium’s official team social media account also fueled the discussion by posting a celebratory photo with the caption, “Overturn this,” an apparent reference to FIFA’s decision to reverse Balogun’s suspension.
The episode quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the tournament, highlighting the unusual intersection of football, politics, and viral social media moments.
