Belgium end USA World Cup run amid Balogun controversy

Belgium swept aside co-hosts the United States 4-1 to book a place in the FIFA 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, ending the Americans’ campaign despite the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun‘s suspension.

The victory sets up a mouthwatering last-eight clash with European champions Spain. At the same time, the United States join fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico in exiting the tournament at the Round of 16 stage.

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Much of the pre-match attention centred on Balogun, who was controversially cleared to play after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban following intervention from United States President Donald Trump.

Belgium, meanwhile, surprised many by leaving Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku on the bench, but coach Rudi Garcia’s selection proved inspired.

Charles De Ketelaere gave Belgium an early lead in the ninth minute, tapping home from close range after Nicolas Raskin’s cross exposed slack American defending.

The goal stunned the home crowd of more than 67,000 in Seattle, who had loudly celebrated Balogun’s inclusion in the starting line-up following FIFA’s decision to overturn his suspension.

The United States responded through Malik Tillman, whose free-kick took a deflection before finding the net to level the score.

Belgium restored their advantage almost immediately as De Ketelaere grabbed his second goal of the evening.

The Red Devils then took full control after a costly goalkeeping error by Matt Freese gifted them a third goal before substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed an emphatic victory late in the match.

FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s one-match ban after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina sparked fierce criticism from football fans, pundits and officials, with UEFA, Belgium and several leading figures questioning the integrity of the ruling.

However, the controversy ultimately had little impact on the outcome as Belgium comfortably progressed to the quarterfinals, where they will face Spain for a place in the semifinals.