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

Last Updated:June 26, 2026, 16:17 IST

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.

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.

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.

About the Author

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int...Read More

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

Read More