Belgium turn Balogun ban controversy into fuel in 4-1 win over US

Belgium beat the United States 4-1 in their World Cup last-16 match in Seattle, despite Folarin Balogun being cleared to start after FIFA paused his automatic suspension. Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin said the squad felt wronged by the ruling and used that feeling as motivation.

Balogun had been sent off in the previous round against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA suspended the one-match ban for 12 months shortly before the Belgium tie. The RBFA challenged his eligibility, but a FIFA committee ruled Belgium were not an interested party in the original disciplinary matter.

The decision drew wider criticism, including from UEFA and England head coach Thomas Tuchel, while US President Donald Trump said he had asked FIFA to review the case after speaking with Gianni Infantino. Trump denied ordering an outcome and described the final decision as correct.

Belgium’s response after the match added another layer to the story: players were pictured celebrating in a dance compared to Trump’s campaign-style moves, and the national team’s official Instagram account posted a pointed message featuring Romelu Lukaku. Coach Rudi Garcia later stressed that Balogun himself was not to blame and said Belgium’s focus remained on their own performance.