The US head into their Round of 16 match against Belgium on a high note after FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s red card for one game, clearing the way for the leading scorer to play.
Balogun was initially sent off during the United States’ 2-0 Round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA overturned the decision. Belgium challenged that, but FIFA dismissed the protest as unacceptable while UEFA criticized the decision as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unfair.”
The decision drew more attention after President Donald Trump defended and urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun’s red card, raising questions about whether political pressure played a role in the decision.
Belgium was leading 3-1. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice to put the team ahead in the first half. The US equalized briefly on a free kick from Malik Tillman, but Belgium regained their advantage late in the period, and Hans Vanaken added to that in the second half.
Separately, Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of lifting the World Cup came to an end after Portugal were beaten 1-0 by Spain, as Mikel Merino scored late on to see his country through to the quarter-finals.
US vs Belgium
Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match.
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Head coach Mauricio Pochettino of USA kicks the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium) in Seattle, Washington, United States on July 6.
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United States of America forward Folarin Balogun warms up before the World Cup elimination game between the United States and Belgium at Lumen Field on Monday, July 6, 2026 in Seattle, WA.
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Timothy Castagne #21, Brandon Mechele #4 and Belgium players exit the tunnel before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match.
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United States fans hold a sign in the stands before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium.
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Referee Raphael Claus shows Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States a red card for fouling Tarik Muharemovic #4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Santa.
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Portugal vs Spain
Mikel Merino #6 of Spain celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.
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Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after a goal scored by Mikel Merino of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium.
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