Over the next few weeks, the United States Women’s National team will be going for their unprecedented third consecutive FIFA World Cup title as they compete in the 2023 edition of the iconic tournament. But even though the team represents the United States, several Americans have taken to social media to express that they will not be rooting for the USWNT in this year’s tournament due to the team’s actions during the playing of the national anthem.
Ahead of Friday evening’s game against Vietnam to open the World Cup, both teams stood on the field for the pregame ceremonies for the playing of both teams’ national anthems. But as The Star Spangled Banner played for the United States, the majority of the team stayed silent and did not put their hands on their hearts.
As News Week reported, only five players placed their hands over their hearts as they stood for the national anthem and only three players of the team’s starting 11 players sang along to the national anthem.
The decision of many players not to sing the national anthem or place their hands over their hearts upset enough Americans to claim they are rooting against the team.
You can't respect our national anthem?
I hope you lose! https://t.co/HGE3tMXu36— Steve Owenby 🇺🇲 🍊 (@SteveOwenby) July 23, 2023
I hope they fail miserably, get humilliated and they get a pay cut. https://t.co/x1BIQOXqTh
— Mariana (@texas_walnut) July 23, 2023
I will never support this unpatriotic lot. https://t.co/Z1w4Q9wEW2
— Allen Smithee (@AllenSmithee6) July 22, 2023
Who wants to watch them anyway? I hope they loose every match. Maybe they should move & play for Cuba, China, Venezuela, Russia or N. Korea. 👆🏽 They'll force you to sing & smile. Ask Brittney Griner now what she thinks of our anthem? https://t.co/id10LSawmX
— ❌Aurora Tracy❌ (@auroratracy0621) July 23, 2023
Disgusting! I hope they never win another game! 😡 https://t.co/0CY62XWjLV
— Pam (@Bonesandtoady) July 24, 2023
Honestly hope they lose every game. They have no pride in this country. I have no pride in them. https://t.co/tj5sVBFbbq
— Clown Dawg (@cbcpa79) July 22, 2023
The United States returns to action on Wednesday with a match against the Netherlands.
