World Cup 2026: Belgium thrash US 4-1 as Trump-backed Balogun reprieve plunges FIFA into fresh crisis
The Belgian side will now meet European champions Spain in quarter-finals
SEATTLE – Belgium swept into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States, but the result was overshadowed by an escalating controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's eligibility.
Hours before kick-off, Fifa rejected Belgium's challenge against the striker's inclusion after suspending his automatic one-match ban, a decision that drew widespread criticism and fuelled accusations of political interference.
The debate intensified after US President Donald Trump publicly praised the ruling, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino insisted the governing body's judicial process had remained independent.
Balogun ruling
Balogun had originally been suspended after receiving a red card during the United States' victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. Following a Video Assistant Referee review, he was dismissed for dragging his studs down the back of defender Tarik Muharemovic's leg and onto his foot, triggering an automatic one-match suspension.
Instead of enforcing the ban, FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended it for a one-year probationary period under Article 27, allowing Balogun to face Belgium. The striker was also fined $40,000 for entering the pitch after his dismissal to celebrate with teammates.
The decision immediately sparked outrage across European football. UEFA described it as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable", warning that confidence in the integrity of the game's disciplinary system had been damaged. The Swiss Football Association also questioned the ruling, saying it created uncertainty over the authority of referees and VAR decisions.
Belgium's football federation challenged Balogun's eligibility before the match, but Fifa ruled the request inadmissible because the Royal Belgian Football Association was not considered a party to the disciplinary proceedings.
Trump’s remarks
The controversy intensified after Trump revealed he had personally urged Infantino to review Balogun's case.
Speaking at the Oval Office, the US President said Balogun "didn't do anything wrong" and described Fifa's decision as "really brilliant", arguing that preventing one of America's leading players from featuring would have left a "big stain" on the tournament.
Trump also questioned the officiating of Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, calling him "a little bit suspect" without providing evidence. Brazil's football confederation strongly rejected any suggestion regarding the referee's integrity, describing Claus as an exemplary professional trusted at the highest levels of football.
Infantino later confirmed speaking with Trump but maintained that Fifa's judicial bodies had acted "independently and autonomously". He said he had informed the US President that the matter was subject to an ongoing legal process handled by the governing body's competent authorities.
The Balogun ruling has also prompted England to consider its options after defender Jarell Quansah's red card against Mexico. England manager Thomas Tuchel questioned how similar disciplinary cases would now be handled, while British lawmakers called for consistency in Fifa's application of its rules.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp delivered one of the strongest criticisms, saying politics should never influence football's disciplinary decisions. Former Fifa president Sepp Blatter echoed those concerns, insisting red cards should only be overturned through established rules, evidence and independent judicial processes.
Belgium advance
Despite all the attention surrounding Balogun, Belgium settled matters emphatically on the pitch.
It”s called s̶o̶c̶c̶e̶r̶ ????????????????????????????????. ???? #USABEL #ScoredWithING pic.twitter.com/npWPnchKTa
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 7, 2026
Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring after just nine minutes before Malik Tillman briefly levelled for the United States in the 31st minute. Belgium restored their lead only two minutes later as De Ketelaere struck again to put the Europeans back in control before half-time.
Hans Vanaken extended the advantage in the 57th minute following another costly defensive error by the hosts. Substitute Romelu Lukaku added a fourth deep into stoppage time to complete a convincing victory and seal Belgium's place in the last eight.
Balogun, whose suspension had dominated headlines before kick-off, struggled to make an impact as the United States exited the competition.
???????? Belgium have qualified for the Quarter-finals!#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 7, 2026
Belgium will now meet European champions Spain in the quarter-finals.