US Crashes Out of World Cup After Controversial Belgium Match; Portugal Also Eliminated
Quick Look
- The US was eliminated from the World Cup after a 4-1 loss to Belgium.
- The match was preceded by controversy over Folarin Balogun's red card ban suspension, with President Trump reportedly involved.
- Portugal also exited the tournament after a loss to Spain.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The US was eliminated from the World Cup after a controversial match against Belgium, while Portugal was also knocked out. The controversy involved a player's ban and alleged political interference.
The U.S. crashed out of the World Cup round of 16 on Monday, losing 4-1 to a spirited Belgium side in a match that was marred by controversy before kick-off.
Belgium took an early lead in the 9th minute via Charles De Ketelaere, but the joint hosts equalized half an hour into the game, with Malik Tillman hammering home.
But the stalemate only lasted for two minutes, with De Ketelaere scoring again to restore Belgium's lead.
The European side then notched up a third goal from Hans Vanaken just before the hour mark, before Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the victory with a late strike in injury time.
The match was initially overshadowed by FIFA's decision to suspend U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's one-match red-card ban, paving the way for the team's leading scorer to play.
The ruling has drawn added attention after President Donald Trump defended his call urging FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's red card, fueling questions over whether political pressure played a role in the decision.
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 inadmissible while UEFA criticized the ruling as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable."
Separately, Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of lifting the World Cup came to an end after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain, as Mikel Merino struck late to send his country into the quarterfinals.
U.S. vs Belgium
Robbie Jay Barratt - Ama | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
Robert Gauthier | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
Maja Hitij - Fifa | Fifa | Getty Images
Carl Recine | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Charlotte Wilson | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Portugal vs Spain
Alex Slitz | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
Open Questions
- Did political pressure influence FIFA's decision?
- What are the long-term implications for FIFA's autonomy?
- Will there be further repercussions for the involved parties?
