The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) faced intense backlash after posting a jingoistic image of the U.S. men's national soccer team (USMNT) with the caption "Defend The Homeland. One Nation. One Homeland. One Team." The post, shared on June 19, 2026, coincided with the USMNT's 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup opener at Los Angeles Stadium. DHS accompanied the image with the words "Our Soil" and an American flag emoji.
Critics highlight contradiction with immigration policies
Critics quickly noted the irony of the post given the Trump administration's hardline anti-immigration stance. Approximately one-quarter of the USMNT roster was born outside the United States, including star striker Folarin Balogun, who gained U.S. citizenship through birthright citizenship. President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for ending birthright citizenship, which would make Balogun ineligible for citizenship if his mother had visited later.
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) responded on X (formerly Twitter): "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 additional 6 Team USA players were born outside US soil? Did you know half the team are dual citizens?"
Chef José Andrés and others weigh in
Chef José Andrés also criticized the post, writing: "Defend the homeland? Millions of Americans who weren't born on U.S. soil have helped do exactly that. Look at our national soccer team: many players were either born abroad or are the children of immigrants. They wear the same jersey, sing the same anthem, and fight for…"
Other users pointed out the specific case of Balogun. Rachel Kryshak noted: "Absolutely not. You do not get to use Flo Balogun, who is only eligible via birthright citizenship because his mother was denied boarding (too pregnant), to promote the 'defence of home soil' when you are actively trying to strip citizens of their birthright citizenship."
Broader backlash and calls for apology
The post was widely condemned as embarrassing and contradictory. One user wrote: "you guys are arguing before scotus right now that your own top goal scorer shouldn't be eligible for US citizenship." Another said: "Shut the fuck up. You don't get the claim this. Y'all would deport 70% of the team if you could."
Several critics highlighted the irony of using Balogun's image while the administration fights to end birthright citizenship. Eric Michael Garcia explained: "Folarin Balogun's mother was visiting the United States from Nigeria when she gave birth to her son. That allowed him to be a citizen and play for USMNT."
The post also drew criticism from international observers. One user commented: "it's really fantastic when a host country insinuates that all visiting nations are, in fact, invaders." Another said: "This is literally against everything the world cup stands for you useless swine."
As of June 20, DHS had not deleted the post or issued an apology. The controversy underscores the ongoing tension between the administration's immigration policies and the diverse composition of the U.S. national team.
