Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup after a 4:1 victory over the USA, ending the tournament for the host team coached by Mauricio Pochettino. Folarin Balogun took the field despite an original one-match suspension for a red card received in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but he did not make a significant impact against Belgium. Tagesspiegel ↗
The case followed a previous FIFA decision to conditionally suspend Balogun's ban after a phone call from US President Donald Trump to federation president Gianni Infantino. FIFA subsequently stated that both the red card and the one-match suspension remained in effect, even though Balogun was allowed to play in the round of 16. Balogun called the situation controversial, and the American team claimed it had accepted the decision. SITA ↗
Belgium also responded symbolically after the match. Following Romelu Lukaku's goal, the players performed a dance associated with Trump, and on social media they poked fun at the controversy surrounding the canceled suspension. The Belgian team will face Spain in the quarterfinals. SITA ↗
The case did not end with the USA's elimination. FIFA backed Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, whom Trump had called suspicious. European football officials and a group of Members of the European Parliament are demanding further scrutiny of FIFA's and Infantino's role in the decision on the suspension. The case thus remains a topic ahead of the next phase of the tournament, even though the USA's participation in the championship has already ended on the sporting side. dennikn.sk ↗
Belgium eliminates USA, Balogun case continues
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| 11:29 07.07.
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Le rêve d’une épopée à la Coupe du monde de football a brutalement pris fin pour Team USA
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