Megan Rapinoe on US Men’s Soccer Team’s World Cup Loss and Trump’s Influence

Megan Rapinoe recently commented on the U.S. men’s soccer team’s World Cup performance, attributing part of their struggle to President Donald Trump’s involvement. Rapinoe believes the president’s actions disrupted the team’s underdog spirit.

During an appearance on ‘The Daily Show,’ host Desi Lydic inquired about a red card issued to Folarin Balogun during their Round of 32 match, which was later overturned following Trump’s intervention with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Rapinoe suggested that Trump’s interference did not provide the positive momentum expected and acknowledged it might have unsettled the team.

“It didn’t go well. They had, like, such a good vibe,” she added. “I feel like they had, like, the underdog kind of vibe going. And then you-know-who got involved, and everyone was like, nope.”

Former player Megan Rapinoe attended a game in Seattle, underscoring her support for the team. Despite her two World Cup victories, Rapinoe expressed she doesn’t know FIFA’s rules in detail and isn’t a referee.

The White House, through spokesman Davis Ingle, highlighted Trump’s successful handling of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing economic benefits and overall achievement. However, Rapinoe referenced on her podcast ‘A Touch More: The Beautiful Game’ that Trump’s involvement became a distraction for the team.

“I think the distraction got to the team for sure,” she stated, noting the impact of public discourse and the chaotic atmosphere surrounding the situation. She pointed out that the current team lacks experienced players used to such attention and pressure.

She emphasized that in men’s football, few players engage with issues beyond the sport. This lack of engagement can add to the team’s challenges.

Following the red card controversy, the U.S. men’s national team was defeated by Belgium in the Round of 16. Folarin Balogun reflected on the situation, acknowledging the external noise and its effect on the team’s performance. He admitted it was difficult to focus amid the uproar.

Hanna Panreck, an associate editor at Fox News, contributed to this report.