Will Christian Pulisic play for the USMNT against Belgium in the World Cup?
Here’s the latest on the USMNT winger’s fitness.
All eyes are on Seattle Stadium as the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 sees the co-hosts take on Belgium in the middle of what has been one of the most controversial times in football history.
Folarin Balogun’s red card ban was suspended in an unprecedented move from FIFA, but when it was later revealed that the White House - Trump included - lobbied the organisational body for a number of days, the green stench of corruption wafted high in the wind.
“I didn’t even know what the hell a red card was,” Trump admitted to reporters before launching against the “suspect” referee and teasing that he could provide records of supposed shady dealings should anyone want it.
He also questioned the fundamental nature of a red card in football, questioning why a player should be penalised “for a game that hasn’t been played yet,” adding that it was “very unfair.” Donald Trump wants playground rules for the biggest sport in the world. My back garden, my rules.
Will Pulisic play vs Belgium?
And in all the mess, there is the question of who will actually play. Christian Pulisic’ fitness would otherwise have taken up the headline room on the front cover of the world’s papers on the day of the game had FIFA and Trump not been caught under the covers.
The AC Milan winger has had only a bit-part role in the USMNT’s success so far as he recovers from a calf injury. However, it appears that he is now fully fit and is expected to start alongside Balogun in Pochettino’s XI for the game.
“If Belgium beat us, I’ll say it was rigged, like I do with the 2020 election,” Trump said with a smirk and a wonky eye. The worst thing about this statement is it’s hard to tell if he means it, or if he has actually been telling a lie about his position of the handover of power from the Democrats at the turn of the decade. Back when everything was normal.
Related stories
Hero Balogun's unusual path to the USMNT
Spanish players don't sing national anthem
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.