What Is The Kamala Harris 'Curse'? Bizarre Claims Go Viral After US Loses Against Turkey In FIFA WC

Published 26 June 2026 · sports

What Is The Kamala Harris 'Curse'? Bizarre Claims Go Viral After US Loses Against Turkey In FIFA WC Published By, Last Updated: June 26, 2026

What Is The Kamala Harris 'Curse'? Bizarre Claims Go Viral After US Loses Against Turkey In FIFA WC Published By, Last Updated: June 26, 2026, 16:17 IST US Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff found themselves at the centre of controversy, with many US fans blaming them for their team's defeat. Rapid Read US VP Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff at the US-Turkey FIFA WC clash. A thrilling showdown in the FIFA World Cup ensued as Turkey stunned tournament co-hosts the United States with a 3-2 victory, thanks to Kaan Ayhan’s dramatic stoppage-time winner. The US will still move on to the round of 32 as they remain at the top of Group D, while Turkey was already eliminated after consecutive defeats against Australia and Paraguay. However, former US Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff found themselves at the centre of controversy, with many US fans blaming them for their team’s defeat.

Emhoff had posted a smiling photo of the couple with the caption “Goal!", just before the US fell 2-1 behind in the group stage match, according to the New York Post. The Kamala Harris ‘Curse’ Emhoff’s photo was uploaded after Baris Alper Yilmaz scored just after the half-hour mark, finishing off a flowing team move to hand Turkey a 2-1 lead. The US responded immediately, with Sebastian Berhalter helping the co-hosts level with the Turks after half-time. The former VP was seen wearing a black leather jacket with a red, white and blue scarf around her neck, while Emhoff was wearing a Team USA jersey. “Let’s go @usmnt," Harris said herself later on Instagram, after the US tied the matchup. However, Ayhan’s last-minute goal handed a thrilling victory to Turkey, disappointing thousands of fans in America, many of whom blamed Kamala Harris.

“KAMALA CURSE!!!," one commented, sharing the NYP article. “Kamala Harris attends the USA Vs. Australia World Cup Match. America loses," another said. “No wonder the US lost! Kamala Harris is bad luck! Who let her attend the game? Where is the outrage?" a third user wrote. Did the curse of Kamala end team USA’s brilliant run? Cozy Refuge (@selluscpre) June 26, 2026 > Kamala Harris attends the USA Vs. Australia World Cup Match America loses pic.twitter.com/cWY5bhERb7— Shawn (@ArcanesDreamer) June 26, 2026 Apart from Harris, Second Lady Usha Vance and Hollywood actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Colin Farrell and Ashton Kutcher were also in the stands to watch the group stage match. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18.