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Megan Rapinoe Blames Donald Trump For USA’s Downfall

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US Women’s icon Megan Rapinoe has reopened old wounds this week with a stunning new attack on Donald Trump, blaming the American president for the USA’s humiliating exit from the 2026 World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino’s side made history at this summer’s tournament, but still failed to make a deep run on home soil.

Back-to-back wins against Paraguay and Australia gave the Stars and Stripes a huge early boost, as they won consecutive World Cup games for the first time since 1930 before topping their group and securing a favourable knockout-stage path. However, a 3-2 defeat to Turkiye showed they were still vulnerable, and a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 burst the bubble of optimism that had been forming.

Just as quickly as the country embraced football fever with open arms, they came crashing back down to earth, with much of the criticism aimed at certain players – most notably Christian Pulisic. Rapinoe, who won two World Cups herself with the USWNT, has taken a different route, instead turning her fire towards the White House.

Megan Rapinoe Blames Donald Trump For USA’s World Cup Downfall

Megan Rapinoe speaks at the White House

Rapinoe, now 41, claims Trump’s involvement in the Folarin Balogun red card fiasco ultimately led to the American players being “distracted” during their brutal 4-1 defeat to Belgium. The former Arsenal youngster was sent off against Bosnia in the round of 32, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension that would – and perhaps should – have ruled him out of the round of 16 a few days later.

Away from the public glare, however, Trump lobbied FIFA president Gianni Infantino to have the decision overturned, with the governing body later making the shock move to suspend the ban and allow Balogun to play. Rapinoe believes the damage had already been done from the Oval Office before the match had even kicked off. And Rapinoe believes the damage was done from the Oval Office before the match even started, with her saying on her podcast ‘A Touch More: The Beautiful Game‘:

“I think the distraction got to the team for sure in some type of way. Whether it was this red card situation, whether it was being in a public discourse with this president, all of the shenanigans and chaos that comes with the feelings on both sides of that. Whether you agree with it or not, it’s just like… it’s a lot to contend with.”

Rapinoe then went on to give more reasons for the men’s team’s sudden downfall at the 2026 World Cup, saying that she believes a previous lack of off-field controversy left them unprepared for the fallout the situation created.

“Not only does this team not have like a core of older players who are used to that, but none of these players talk about anything ever, like for the most part,” she added. “I think in men’s football, just in general, there’s not a lot of players who are choosing to use their platform or to broaden their scope of pressure and responsibility.”

Trump & Rapinoe Have A Tense Recent History

Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Back in 2016, Rapinoe – who played for Seattle Reign most of her career – knelt during the national anthem in support of Colin Kaepernick, protesting racial injustice and police brutality. At the time, Trump repeatedly criticised athletes who were using their platforms to protest, claiming they were disrespecting their country.

When the US women’s national team won the World Cup a few years later, Rapinoe turned down an invite to the White House, skipping the tradition. Before the team had even lifted the trophy, she had claimed she was ‘not going to the f***ing White House’ if they won the tournament.

Rapinoe has also been one of sports’ most outspoken athletes on LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and equal pay for women, with her contributions in the latter meaning the USMNT must give up 50% of their World Cup earnings and give them to the USWNT if they qualify for next year’s Women’s tournament.

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Tottenham Make Strongest Move to Sign Marcus Rashford

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It’s already been an extremely busy summer for Tottenham Hotspur and it could get even more hectic should they step up their interest in Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.

Spurs have already spent over £100 million, signing Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. After nearly suffering relegation last season, the club have made it their mission to back Roberto De Zerbi with a major squad overhaul.

A new forward is expected to arrive and the Lilywhites are interested in Bournemouth rising star Junior Kroupi. The French starlet has reportedly told the North Londoners that he’s open to joining.

Tottenham Make Concrete Move For Rashford

Marcus Rashford

Kroupi isn’t the only attacker on Tottenham’s radar as they are also monitoring Rashford’s situation at United. The English forward spent last season on loan at Barcelona and impressed, scoring 14 goals and providing as many assists in 49 games.

Despite this, the Catalans have opted not to sign Rashford permanently, paving the way for the £325,000-a-week England international to move elsewhere. He has plenty of options and Spurs are reportedly pushing hardest for the 28-year-old.

According to Italian outlet Asromalive.it, the Lilywhites are the club that have made “the most concrete contact with the player.” The problem is that Rashford wants to play UEFA Champions League football next season, something De Zerbi’s side can’t offer.

Rashford has also been sounded out by Italian giants Roma and Napoli, but he isn’t giving priority to the Serie A clubs. A return to Aston Villa, where he spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan, is another option, while Newcastle United are keen.

Spurs could also face competition from Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, who are said to have “started real negotiations in recent days.” Barca could still come back in for the player, although they have signed Anthony Gordon and agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund for Karim Adeyemi.

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Spurs Need to Prioritise Kroupi First

eli kroupi via Reuters

If De Zerbi believes Rashford, dubbed “world-class” can take his Tottenham team to another level, the club’s transfer chiefs need to do their best to secure his signature. He’s proven to be one of the most talented English forwards, and his drop in form at United came amid a lack of confidence with constant managerial changes.

Player’s preference aside, the main stumbling block for Spurs is his wages, as he currently sits on £300,000 per week (via Capology) at Old Trafford. That’s a ridiculously high salary, and it’s hard to imagine the club agreeing to pay him that amount.

A potential deal could cost a reported £34.5m, which is a reasonable price, but not if he remains on such a high salary. The best course of action is to focus on signing Kroupi, a generational talent who can lead the line for De Zerbi’s team for years to come.

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Arsenal's Rogers Pursuit & White House World Cup Chief on the Balogun Row | Ben Jacobs' Mailbag

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The Balogun red card controversy takes centre stage as Andrew Giuliani is pressed on Donald Trump’s FIFA call, the White House’s role and the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s ban.

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‘Strongly Deny’ – Man Utd Reporter Gives Huge Update on Ederson

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The Ederson transfer saga has taken a fresh twist as Manchester United sources have reportedly responded to claims that the deal is off.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday evening that United had pulled the plug on a £38m package deal for Ederson. That decision came after the Brazilian underwent medical tests, and there are suggestions in Italy that the club were concerned about his fitness.

Atalanta were said to believe the 27-year-old was “fully fit” and prepared to welcome him back into their squad. The situation has left fans puzzled, as reports that the transfer has collapsed are now being refuted.

Man Utd Sources Deny Ederson Deal Off

Manchester United-bound midfielder Ederson

Manchester Evening News’ Steven Railston has reported on his X account that United sources “strongly deny” that the deal is off. The club feel that reports about the transfer collapsing are to put pressure on them to complete it.

United and Atalanta agreed on a deal for Ederson back in May before the player earned a last-minute call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad. He’s believed to have undergone a medical test in the USA, which led to talk of possible complications.

Ederson has already agreed on personal terms with the Reds on a contract set to run until 2031. If he were to join the club he’d be making around £4.2m (€5m per year).

Reports from Italy suggest United decided against completing the deal due to concerns about an underlying knee issue. That’s despite the player only suffering three significant injuries during his time at Atalanta, including a meniscus injury in 2025.

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Man Utd Need to Make a Decision

Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026) via Reuters

United might well feel the Italian media are trying to force them to get the deal over the line. They have taken their time completing the transfer, but there is clearly a holdup for a reason.

Ederson is waiting to make a dream move to Old Trafford, but a lack of clarity has left everybody outside of the club puzzled. Several midfield alternatives have been linked, including AS Roma’s Manu Kone.

The decision to spend £50m on Andrey Santos raised questions about the progress of Ederson’s switch. Many assume that the Brazilian is arriving at the club from Chelsea, rather than his compatriot.

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