Donald Trump’s well-known Y.M.C.A.-style dance became the backdrop for a very different kind of celebration on Monday night, after Belgium’s players effectively hijacked his signature moves following his intervention in the build-up to their World Cup knockout clash with the United States.
Belgium’s squad echoed Trump’s distinctive fist-pumping sways as they ran out winners in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 4-1 thrashing of the co-hosts. The celebrations spilled onto the pitch and continued in the dressing room, with the team dancing and singing the song as their momentum carried them through the match.
Before kickoff, Trump, 80, contacted FIFA and urged that a review be carried out into a one-game ban affecting US forward Folarin Balogun. The move sparked widespread surprise and anger, particularly as it resulted in the suspension being lifted.
Balogun’s ban was overturned, allowing him to take part in the game after it had initially been put in place. The decision reshaped the contest’s narrative heading into the final whistle, with Belgium making it clear they had been driven by the outcome.
Belgian captain Youri Tielemans said the team had been energised by the ruling and the reaction surrounding it. He explained that Belgium had focused on settling matters through football rather than debate, adding that they felt compelled to handle everything on the field.
“We told ourselves we needed to do our talking on the pitch. That’s what we did today,” Tielemans said.
Trump, whose Y.M.C.A. dance is a familiar feature at rallies and speeches, has long used the routine to spark cheers from his supporters, but on this occasion Belgium turned it into a match-day statement of their own.
