The U.S. Women’s Soccer team is currently competing in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and are once again favorites to win it all.
The reigning two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champions defeated Vietnam 3-0 on Friday at Eden Park in New Zealand, but some of the team members weren’t exactly proud patriots ahead of the match.
When USWNT took the field ahead of the match against Vietnam, over half of the 11 players on team USA remained silent and did not participate in singing the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Six of the 11 American soccer players stood stoically and watched as the anthem played, not putting their hand over their heart or anything of that nature, seemingly refusing to acknowledge or participate in the anthem.
The five other players, including star striker Alex Morgan, did put their hand over their hearts and sing along as the anthem played in the stadium.
As a pretty stark contrast, the entire women’s team from Vietnam all sang along proudly to their national anthem, “Tiến Quân Ca,” (“Song of a Marching Army”).
You can watch the footage of the U.S. Women’s team here:
And of course, many on Twitter had a lot to say about their lack of patriotism on the world stage, saying that they should not be on the team if they aren’t proud to represent America:
That’s why I won’t watch.
— Cayou (@mylosmutt) July 23, 2023
They are not representing the country at all. I don’t understand why they even play.
— Bruno Zangari (@magranza7) July 23, 2023
If you don’t want to represent your country, don’t play for your country.
— Tomi Schütz (@tomiprogressing) July 23, 2023
If you don’t want to represent your country, don’t play for your country.
— Tomi Schütz (@tomiprogressing) July 23, 2023
On the other hand, quite a few people defended their decision, saying that singing along is not a “requirement” to play on the team:
I don’t think anyone is required to sing it. Standing with hand over heart is appropriate and respectful.
— Unruly Rogers (@DaveyRogers2) July 23, 2023
It is not and nor should it be mandatory to sing it. They’re standing and placing their hands over their hearts or behind their backs in a respectful manner. Most people in the stands don’t sing it either and I guarantee you don’t every time it comes on
— Steve W (@CowsinSpace87) July 23, 2023
Who said they refused to sing along? I don’t sing along every time. Sometimes it’s nice to just listen and take it all in.
— Kaleb Burgess (@KBurgess724) July 23, 2023
The U.S. Women’s National Team will take on the Netherlands next at 9PMEST this Wednesday, July 26th.
