EditBelgium repairs FIFA’s injustice, thrashes host USA 4-1 to advance
The European team set the record straight on the pitch after the Trump-fuelled scandal
In a stunning upset that felt like poetic payback, Belgium hammered co-host USA 4-1 in the World Cup Round of 16, eliminating the hosts amid one of the tournament’s biggest controversies.
The match came days after FIFA controversially suspended U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban – a move widely seen as influenced by President Donald Trump’s personal intervention with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino. Belgium’s federation blasted the decision as “astonishing” and a clear violation of rules, sparking outrage across Europe. UEFA called it “incomprehensible,” while critics accused FIFA of bending integrity for political pressure.
Trump intervention sparks World Cup storm as FIFA clears Balogun to face Belgium
Balogun started despite the storm, but Belgium’s clinical display – powered by goals from Charles De Ketelaere (2), Hans Vanaken, and Romelu Lukaku – exposed deeper issues. Many viewed the result as redressing a perceived injustice, with fans and pundits celebrating the “karma” on the field after FIFA’s off-field favoritism.
The scandal overshadowed the knockout stage, raising fresh questions about FIFA’s independence just as the co-hosted tournament reaches its business end. For the US, a dream run ended in controversy and disappointment. Belgium advances, integrity (somewhat) restored.
BREAKING: Trump imposes 6,000% tariffs on Belgium
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Caption: U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, who was at the centre of the Trump-fuelled FIFA scandal, takes stock of reality. [Photo from TV screen, Georgi Gotev]
Updated: July 7, 2026 - 04:25
