Before kickoff, fans inside Legends Sports Bar in Midtown were already on their feet.

“We’re just excited to see our boys show up and make us proud,” New Jersey resident Luke Caputzal said.

Ahead of the first play, politics was already part of the match.

President Donald Trump says he personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino, asking for a review after Brooklyn-born U.S. striker Flo Balogun was issued a controversial red card.

His suspension was overturned.

“I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes that ran into each other and got entangled,” Trump said.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani also criticized the original call by the referee.

“I think that it was a cruel decision to red card Balogun in that game,” the mayor said.

“It sucks when politics [are] involved. I wish it would be out of the game, and we could all just enjoy the World Cup for what it is,” Manhattan resident Raymond Yu said.

“As a USA fan, I’m kind of happy, but I can understand why people are upset,” Manhattan resident Jasmine Hundal said.

For most, that debate ended with the opening whistle.

“I put $20 on Kalshi that the USA is going to win. I feel like I’m going to $15 richer at the end of this,” Queens resident Anton Gutierrez said.

“The chants are unbelievable, the vibes are unbelievable,” Manhattan resident Zac Kaye said.

When the final whistle blew, the chants had gone quiet.

Belgium defeated the U.S. 4-1, ending the Americans' World Cup run and sending Belgium to the quarterfinals.