Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in Seattle on Monday, July 7, 2026, eliminating the co-hosts from the World Cup last 16. The match followed a controversy where FIFA suspended a red card for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun after President Donald Trump claimed he personally intervened with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Donald Trump’s intervention in … Read more
The match followed intense controversy regarding the suspension of a one-match red card ban for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, which FIFA ultimately lifted prior to kickoff. A Decisive Belgian Victory in Seattle For the United States, the exit marks a premature end to a tournament where they held significant home-field advantage. The team had successfully … Read more
The United States men’s national soccer team was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a loss to Belgium in a round of 16 match held in Seattle. The defeat marks the end of the team’s tournament run, occurring shortly after the FIFA disciplinary committee cleared striker Folarin Balogun to play. Belgium Advances After … Read more
United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that he personally lobbied FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review a controversial red card issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. The intervention, which led to the suspension of Balogun’s automatic one-match ban, has triggered intense criticism from European football governing bodies and officials. Trump’s Direct Lobbying of … Read more
The U.S. men’s national soccer team will field striker Folarin Balogun against Belgium in Monday’s World Cup Round of 16 match in Seattle. The decision follows a FIFA disciplinary committee’s surprise ruling to suspend Balogun’s automatic one-game ban for a year-long probationary period, a move President Donald Trump confirmed he personally requested during a phone … Read more
Folarin Balogun is eligible to play for the United States against Belgium in Monday’s World Cup round-of-16 match after FIFA suspended his automatic one-game ban. The governing body invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code, placing the striker on a one-year probationary period following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Intervention and FIFA’s … Read more
"The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has launched an appeal against FIFA’s decision to suspend U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban, citing procedural irregularities and a lack of transparency. Belgium’s challenge comes hours before the World Cup round-of-16 clash against the U.S., with the RBFA alleging FIFA “created an appeal” to ensure it would be … Read more
FIFA overturned the one-game suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun on Sunday, July 5, 2026, allowing him to play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium. The decision followed a reported phone call from President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino requesting a review of the red card Balogun received on July 1. … Read more
The United States men’s national team will feature forward Folarin Balogun in the starting lineup for Monday’s round of 16 World Cup match against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee reversed the one-game red card suspension Balogun received during the team’s round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to USA … Read more
FIFA’s decision to rescind a red card issued to United States striker Folarin Balogun has triggered a significant diplomatic and sporting controversy ahead of the team’s upcoming World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium. The reversal, which followed high-level communication between U.S. political figures and international football governing bodies, has drawn sharp criticism from the Belgian … Read more