President Donald Trump said on Monday that if Belgium defeats the United States in their FIFA World Cup match, he would consider the result “rigged,” drawing a direct comparison to his long-standing claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him.

Speaking to reporters before the highly anticipated Round of 16 clash, Trump said Belgium could “be really proud” if it defeated the U.S., but added that he would view the outcome as unfair if the Americans lost.

“If Belgium beat us then they can be really proud. The other way if they beat us, I say it was rigged just like the election was rigged in 2020,” Trump said.

The remarks came just hours before the U.S. men’s national team was scheduled to face Belgium in a knockout-stage World Cup match.

FIFA Red Card Reversal Draws Attention

Trump’s comments follow controversy surrounding U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA had initially handed Balogun a red card suspension before later reversing the decision after the White House requested a review, allowing the forward to play against Belgium.

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Also Read: Trump Thanks FIFA After Balogun Red Card Appeal Succeeds

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The reversal sparked debate, with critics arguing it reflected political influence over soccer governance, while supporters said it simply corrected an unfair disciplinary decision.

Although Trump did not directly reference Balogun while discussing a potentially “rigged” match, his remarks came amid the ongoing controversy surrounding FIFA’s decision.

Trump also predicted a strong performance from the United States.

“The game tonight is going to be amazing, and we’re going to have a full team, and Belgium is going to have a full team,” he said.

Trump’s Long History of ‘Rigged’ Claims

Trump has repeatedly described unfavorable outcomes as “rigged” for years. Following the 2020 presidential election, he consistently claimed widespread fraud cost him victory over Joe Biden, despite courts rejecting numerous legal challenges related to those allegations.

He has continued making similar assertions during his current term in office.

By extending that rhetoric to the World Cup, Trump suggested that a Belgian victory would not necessarily represent a fair result on the field. At the same time, he said Belgium would deserve credit if it legitimately won.

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Also Read: New FIFA Rules Set to Change How the World Cup Is Played

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The comments quickly spread across social media, where supporters described them as characteristic Trump humor and candor, while critics argued they continued a pattern of undermining confidence in outcomes.

Broader Implications

The United States and Belgium entered the Round of 16 encounter amid heightened attention because of the Balogun eligibility controversy and Trump’s public involvement in the FIFA review process.

Officials with U.S. Soccer have not publicly responded to Trump’s remarks, and FIFA has not commented on the president’s latest statements.

Trump has frequently weighed in on major international sporting events throughout his political career, including the Olympics, boxing and soccer, often combining national pride with his signature political messaging.