The Department of Homeland Security scored a spectacular own goal with a post attempting to hype the U.S. men’s team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The department, led by Markwayne Mullin, shared an image of USMNT players running to celebrate a goal during the side’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the United States’ opening match at Los Angeles Stadium. The image carried the caption: “Defend The Homeland. One Nation. One Homeland. One Team.” DHS accompanied the post with the words “Our Soil,” alongside an
American flag emoji. Critics were quick to point out the apparent contradiction with the Trump administration’s hardline anti-immigration agenda, noting that roughly a quarter of the U.S. squad was born outside the country. They also highlighted how star striker Folarin Balogun would not have U.S. citizenship if birthright citizenship, which President Donald Trump wants to end, is removed. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) asked in response: “Did you know our starting forward is a US citizen through birthright citizenship? You’re trying to strip away that right.
Did you know an additiaionl 6 Team USA players were born outside US soil? Did you know half the team are dual citizens?”
DHS, Our Soil, Markwayne Mullin, USMNT, 2026 FIFA World Cup, Los Angeles Stadium, Paraguay, Folarin Balogun, Trump administration, birthright citizenship, Ted Lieu
So they’re mad about a soccer post now? Wild.
I saw “Our Soil” and thought it was about… dirt? Like why DHS posting FIFA pics at all. Also they talk about “defend the homeland” but yeah a quarter of the team is foreign born, so what’s the point? Sounds like they don’t even check their own captions.
Didn’t read it but the title said backlash over immigration and FIFA, and that’s enough for me. They should just let the players play. If Trump ends birthright citizenship then Balogun wouldn’t be “US” right? That seems like the whole issue even if they’re trying to be patriotic.
This is DHS, not the US soccer marketing department… “One Homeland. One Team.” Okay but “our soil” sounds real sketch when the striker is from like… I mean I heard he’s British-Nigerian or whatever and now they’re acting like he’s the logo’s property. Also they mention dual citizens and I’m confused because isn’t being born here literally the same as citizenship? Unless they’re saying citizenship is different for athletes?? Idk, politics ruins everything.