NATO leaders avoid mentioning World Cup to Donald Trump to avoid irritation

NATO leaders have reached an informal consensus to steer clear of discussing the football World Cup in the presence of US President Donald Trump, fearing it might provoke his irritation. The decision emerged on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, where European allies are strategizing to keep Trump engaged and supportive amid concerns over his potential to destabilize the alliance with demands on defense spending.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever openly acknowledged this approach, stating he would not bring up Belgium's 4-1 victory over the United States earlier in the week. De Wever joked to reporters that Trump "has the reputation of sometimes reacting a bit irritably to things that he doesn’t like, and I think this defeat will hit hard." He added that the victory has been the main topic of discussion among other leaders, but he plans to be sensitive to Trump's feelings.

The context includes a previous incident where Trump asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review a red card shown to US striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium. During the match, Belgian players mocked Trump by imitating his signature dance move after scoring their fourth goal.

De Wever said he would not initiate conversation about the match, but if Trump brings it up, he will respond accordingly. Trump himself has not yet commented on the US team's defeat.

In a lighter moment at the summit, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer teased his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store, saying England "only win the World Cup under Labour governments." Both leaders wore their national team shirts during their meeting.