At the July 2026 alliance meeting, leaders decided not to mention the World Cup in any conversation with former President Donald Trump.
The decision follows the US men's soccer team’s defeat in the tournament and worries that Trump would become irritated.
Belgian head of government Alexander De Croo said he would steer clear of football references with the former president.
Pundits said the USMNT’s tournament loss brings back talk of a “political sports jinx”.
The avoidance reflects the group’s effort to keep the summit focused on security issues.