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Belgium Beats USA 4-1 as Trump Call to FIFA Fuels Controversy

The match outcome has been overshadowed by questions about FIFA's decision to lift Folarin Balogun's suspension after President Donald Trump said he phoned Gianni Infantino.

Overview

  • Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the World Cup round of 16 in Seattle and advanced to the quarterfinals.
  • The FIFA Referees Committee removed the automatic suspension that followed Folarin Balogun's red card, making him eligible to play against Belgium.
  • President Donald Trump publicly confirmed he called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun's ban, a move that has drawn scrutiny over political influence in sport.
  • Belgian players, led by Romelu Lukaku, performed celebratory gestures on the field and later replicated the so-called 'Trump Dance' in the dressing room, actions that were widely shared on social media and seen as mocking the intervention.
  • Belgian officials have protested the handling of the disciplinary process and signaled they may formally challenge Balogun's participation, a step that could increase pressure on FIFA's disciplinary procedures and governance.