NATO Leaders Avoid World Cup Talk with Trump in Ankara

During a NATO summit in Ankara, leaders chose not to discuss the United States' disappointing World Cup performance, where they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever confirmed that the decision to avoid football discussions was made to prevent unnecessary embarrassment for President Donald Trump, who is known to react strongly to negative football results.

The topic of the World Cup had been raised earlier when President Trump requested FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overlook the United States' performance. Despite the effort to sidestep football conversations, De Wever made a reference to football while discussing Ukraine's situation, highlighting the significant financial pledges made to Ukraine in the context of Russia's actions.

Additionally, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Norwegian Prime Minister Jona Gahr Støre engaged in friendly football-related exchanges during the summit.