At the July 2026 alliance meeting, heads of state decided to avoid mentioning the World Cup in any conversation with former President Donald Trump.
The move follows the United States men's soccer team’s early exit in the tournament and worries that Trump would become uncomfortable.
Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo said he would steer clear of football references with the former president.
Analysts said the USMNT’s early exit brings back talk of a “sports curse linked to Trump”.
The avoidance reflects the group’s aim to keep the summit dedicated to security issues.