‘Dance with me’: Iran hits out at Donald Trump after Belgium end FIFA World Cup in US amid Folarin Balogun row

Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium (left) and US President Donald Trump The United States’ World Cup campaign ended on Monday (local time) with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16, prompting a sharp reaction from Iran’s football federation.Belgium overcame the hosts to book their place in the quarter-finals, Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and setting up another goal. The United States have been boosted by the availability of forward Folarin Balogun after FIFA overturned his one-match ban following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision came after US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review the case.However, Belgium took control of the match as defensive errors by the United States led to two goals in the first half, while an error by goalkeeper Matt Freese early in the second half helped Belgium extend their lead. Substitute Romelu Lukaku added the fourth goal in added time.It was the most goals the United States had conceded in a World Cup game since a 5-1 loss to Czechoslovakia in the opening game of the 1990 tournament.The defeat also ended another attempt by the United States to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. Since then, the Americans have been eliminated four times in the round of 16.The result was welcomed by Iran, who exited the tournament at the group stage after drawing all three matches. During the tournament, Iranian officials said the team was treated unfairly in North America.A spokesman for the Iran Football Federation said in a statement: “Now the whole world is dancing to celebrate the ignominious defeat of politics in football.”The Iran football team’s official Instagram account also posted a picture of Belgium’s 4-1 win over the United States alongside Belgium’s goalless draw with Iran in the group stage with the caption: “Dance with me!”. Earlier, Belgium’s official X account also reacted to FIFA’s decision to overturn Balogun’s suspension by writing: “Change it.”