Jun 12, 2026
Trump Lies To Us?
How could this be?
USA flag booed before World Cup 2026 opening game in Mexico City
There was a shift in the party atmosphere in Mexico City when the United States flag was paraded onto the pitch
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
Ahead of the big kick-off between Mexico and South Africa, the flags of all 48 teams participating in this summer’s tournament were paraded onto the pitch.
The final three flags to take to the pitch were those of the three North American co-hosts, the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, there was a marked change in atmosphere when the United States were introduced and their flag was displayed on the stadium’s big screen.
From jubilant roars, the noise of the crowd shifted, with loud boos audible as the flag of the United States was brought forward.
There were then further cheers as the attention quickly turned to Mexico flag, ahead of the start of the co-host’s match at the iconic Azteca Stadium.
The United States will host 78 of the 104 games during this World Cup, three times more than Mexico and Canada combined.
The build-up to the 48-team tournament has been marked with several controversies, most of which involve the United States and president Donald Trump.
Notably, the United States launched strikes against Iran, one of the participating teams, in February.
There were louder boos for Fifa president Gianni Infantino when he was first shown on the big screen during the match.
There was a shift in the party atmosphere in Mexico City when the United States flag was paraded onto the pitch
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
Ahead of the big kick-off between Mexico and South Africa, the flags of all 48 teams participating in this summer’s tournament were paraded onto the pitch.
The final three flags to take to the pitch were those of the three North American co-hosts, the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, there was a marked change in atmosphere when the United States were introduced and their flag was displayed on the stadium’s big screen.
From jubilant roars, the noise of the crowd shifted, with loud boos audible as the flag of the United States was brought forward.
There were then further cheers as the attention quickly turned to Mexico flag, ahead of the start of the co-host’s match at the iconic Azteca Stadium.
The United States will host 78 of the 104 games during this World Cup, three times more than Mexico and Canada combined.
The build-up to the 48-team tournament has been marked with several controversies, most of which involve the United States and president Donald Trump.
Notably, the United States launched strikes against Iran, one of the participating teams, in February.
There were louder boos for Fifa president Gianni Infantino when he was first shown on the big screen during the match.
A Parody
It's a little annoying that the Brits so often have a better perspective on American zeitgeist.
Recollecting
"The emperor awakes, and having dreamt of being a butterfly, wonders if he is now a butterfly dreaming he is the emperor."
According to history and folklore, Lao Tzu compiled the Tao Te Ching for rulers and emperors to guide them toward enlightened, natural, and effortless leadership (Wu-wei).
The Role of the Emperor & The Sage
In traditional Chinese philosophy, the "Emperor" is the ultimate representative of worldly power, while the awakened sage represents ultimate spiritual mastery and harmony.
Have you been wondering why MAGA is focused on "anti-woke"? Stop wondering
Guiding the Ruler:
The Tao Te Ching is often framed as advice for an emperor. It teaches that an awakened ruler does not govern through force, tyranny, or strict laws, but rather through stillness, compassion, and humility, allowing the empire to find natural balance.
The Concept of Awakening:
For Lao Tzu, to awaken (or to reach enlightenment) is to transcend human desires, shed the ego, and align completely with the "Tao" (the unnamable source and natural order of the universe).
Awakening the World:
Lao Tzu famously tied the awakening of a single ruler to the harmony of the entire kingdom, famously stating: "If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself."
This philosophy applies to modern individuals as well as historical emperors.
True Power is Inner Mastery:
To lead, influence, or change the world, one must first master their own mind and eliminate their own inner negativity.
Leadership by Example:
An enlightened leader rules so effortlessly and unobtrusively that the people accomplish their goals and say, "We did it ourselves," highlighting the beauty of invisible, empowering leadership.
Hawk
It's un-fucking-believable that we still have to explain this shit to people.
Why would anybody keeping going out of their way looking to carry the kind of crushing weight that hatred can be?
Belle
Gotta love the Dr Strangelove reference. Pretty funny, and appropriately sardonic.
The arsonist demanding credit for eventually showing up to fight the fire.
Escalation Please
I don't know if this is Iran being cagey - trying to tell us something about how the US government isn't what we've been told it is - but if Trump orders commensurate retaliation against Iran for hitting Elon's stuff, then we'll have a clearer idea on who's running things at the White House.
For my money, it'll just be a bit of confirmation of my worries about radical libertarians pushing hard for Plutocracy.
For those guys, the federal government has three main purposes:
- Defend US commercial interests abroad
- Keep the rabble in line at home
- Settle contract disputes
I'll say it again: Gettin' pretty fuckin' tired of living in interesting times.
Jun 11, 2026
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