The USA were eliminated from the World Cup after a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, overshadowed by the controversy over the postponement of Folarin Balogun's suspension. In the round of 16 match in Seattle, Belgium advanced with goals from Charles De Ketelaere (9 and 68), Hans Vanaken (34) and Romelu Lukaku (85).
FIFA's decision to postpone Balogun's suspension following the intervention of US President Donald Trump had caused a major stir before the match. Although Balogun was named in the starting eleven by coach Mauricio Pochettino, he put in an ineffective performance and was substituted in the 90+2nd minute.
After Belgium's dominant display and the scoreline was settled, mocking posts targeting the USA drew attention on social media. The Belgian Red Devils posted a message reading "Overturn this" immediately after the match. Lukaku and his teammates' goal celebration, which resembled Trump's signature dance, also gained widespread traction on social media.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who watched the match, was accompanied by Belgian Football Federation President Pascale Van Damme and US Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone. Belgian fans chanted "FIFA Mafia" around the stadium.
Infantino had responded to criticism at a pre-tournament press conference, saying, "We always try to find solutions," but adding, "We are not the kings of the world; we cannot dictate to governments or police forces." Infantino also said, "We don't control everything. Maybe it's good to calm down and relax."
Trump's niece, Mary Lea Trump, criticized her uncle's intervention in a post on X, saying, "He casts a shadow over everything. He can only win by cheating and thinks that applies to everyone."
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans said the Balogun crisis motivated the team. Tielemans said, "When we heard the news, we held a meeting. We said we needed to do our talking on the pitch. And that's what happened today."
Midfielder Nicolas Raskin said they felt FIFA's decision was unfair, adding, "There is always justice in life, and today it brought us a bit of luck." Belgium coach Rudi Garcia, when asked whether the controversy gave the team extra motivation, replied, "No, it wasn't necessary... What mattered to us was our game plan." Garcia said he spoke to Balogun after the match and told him, "This is not your fault."
Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals in Los Angeles.
