World Cup: Trump-backed Balogun fails to justify FIFA’s dramatic postponement against Belgium

Folarin Balogun’s controversial return dominated the line-up, but the United States forward failed to make an impact as Belgium cruised to a 4-1 World Cup round of 16 win on Monday to book a quarter-final meeting with Spain.

Balogun returned to the starting line-up after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban, allowing the striker to start despite his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round. Having scored three goals earlier in the tournament, the 25-year-old was expected to face the hosts’ attack but was largely silenced by Belgium’s defence.

USA vs Belgium, FIFA World Cup: HIGHLIGHTS

Belgium took control through Charles De Ketelaere before Balogun briefly lifted the home crowd by winning a free-kick just outside the penalty area after being fouled by Brandon Mechel. Malik Tillman curled the resulting play into the net in the 31st minute to cancel out De Ketelaere’s opener, but that proved to be Balogun’s only meaningful contribution.

The striker continued to find openings behind the Belgian defense but found Thibaut Courtois in commanding form. He had the biggest opportunity in the 82nd minute, when the goalkeeper denied his effort with his left hand. Balogun was replaced by Haji Wright at the break after an otherwise quiet outing.

Belgium quickly gained control of the competition. De Ketelaere restored the lead before a costly mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese gave the Red Devils another goal. Romelu Lukaku rounded off the scoring late on as Rudi Garcia’s side secured an emphatic victory.

However, Balogun’s selection remained the biggest talking point throughout the evening.

The United States striker was red-carded in his side’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 after stepping on an opponent’s ankle, prompting a sending-off that carried an automatic one-match ban under FIFA disciplinary regulations.

However, FIFA suspended the sanctions for a year after US President Donald Trump spoke to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked for a review of the incident, paving the way for Balogun’s return against Belgium.

Trump confirmed on Monday that he had personally requested the review, insisting that he had not pressured FIFA to lift the suspension.

“I saw the game and I’m a person who loves sports. It wasn’t a foul. It wasn’t even a misdemeanor,” Trump said.

“This referee who is a bit suspicious if you check his background. He made a call that nobody could believe. He is our best player or one of our best players. He gave him a red card. Yes, I asked FIFA for a review.”

Trump on Balogun: “I saw the game and I’m a guy who loves sports… it wasn’t a foul. It wasn’t even a foul… this referee who’s kind of suspect when you look at his background. He made a call that nobody could believe… he’s our best player or one of our best.” pic.twitter.com/YfIqb1JA4u—Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 6, 2026

As criticism mounted, Infantino defended FIFA’s handling of the case, saying the governing body’s judicial process had operated independently and that Balogun’s case had followed due process of law.

Nevertheless, the decision provoked a strong backlash. UEFA accuses FIFA of crossing ‘red line’ by lifting the automatic suspension, describing the move as “incomprehensible and unjustifiable” and warning that it compromised the integrity of the competition. The Royal Belgian Football Association also challenged Balogun’s eligibility before kick-off, but FIFA dismissed the appeal.

Although Balogun received one of the loudest ovations from the crowd in Seattle before the match, he failed to justify the attention as Belgium progressed comfortably.

The Red Devils even appeared to refer to the controversy after the final whistle, posting a photo of Romelu Lukaku celebrating in front of American supporters with the caption: “Turn it around.”

Balogun finished the tournament with three goals, tying Landon Donovan from the 2010 World Cup for the second-highest return by an American in a single year. He is only trailed by Bert Patenaude’s four goals in the inaugural tournament in 1930.

Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals, while the United States avoid the debate over Balogun’s reinstatement that is likely to continue beyond their World Cup campaign.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

07 Jul 2026 08:40 IST