SAN FRANCISCO
“Karma at Work.” Ann Killion – Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle – 7.6.2026
Lee Heidhues 7.7.2026 UPDATED
The US soccer team was ousted from the World Cup by Belgium in what the press is reporting was an uninspired and desultory performance on the Pitch in Seattle before nearly 70,000 fans.
The blogger has to believe that the US team was thrown off its pregame mojo by the antics of Donald Trump who blatantly interfered to get the star Folarin Balogun American striker back in the game.
Trump utilized all his political muscle and succeeded to get Balogun’s Red Card rescinded. A brazen act which FIFA boss Gianni Infantino acceded to in his sniveling bowing down to curry favor with Trump.
Trump’s bombastic showboating worked. Team USA paid the price on the Pitch.
The headline in the Wall Street Journal says it succinctly ‘Belgium ends Team USA’s World Cup Run After Political Firestorm’
Top photo – SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 06: Referee Adham Makhadmeh checks in as Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts after challenged by Youri Tielemans #8 of Belgium during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Lee's Perspective 