Belgium has advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after a decisive 4-1 victory over the United States in Seattle. The result officially ends the American campaign, making the US the final host nation to be eliminated from the current tournament. Belgium is now scheduled to face Spain in Los Angeles on Friday, July 10.
Atalanta forward Charles de Ketelaere led the Belgian effort with two goals, while Hans Vanaken added a third following a defensive error by US goalkeeper Matt Freese. Romelu Lukaku rounded out the scoring in stoppage time after another lapse in the American defense. The US managed a brief equalizer in the 31st minute courtesy of Germany-born Malik Tillman, though the striker Folarin Balogun, who started the match, struggled to make a significant impact.
The fixture was preceded by intense scrutiny surrounding FIFA’s decision to suspend a red card previously issued to Balogun. Had the card stood, the striker would have been banned from the last 16 match. Reports emerged that US President Donald Trump had spoken with FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the matter. While Trump confirmed he asked for a review of the decision, Infantino maintained that the call was handled independently by FIFA’s disciplinary committee. The FIFA president stated, “During our conversation I explained that there was an ongoing legal process,” and reiterated that he upholds the independence of the organization’s judicial bodies.
The decision to overturn the card sparked widespread criticism across the football world, drawing disapproval from UEFA and various national associations. FIFA statutes strictly prohibit governmental or political interference in the operations of its member associations. Historically, the governing body has sanctioned such intervention, including the disqualification of Kuwait and Indonesia from 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Despite an appeal filed by the Belgian football association ahead of the match, FIFA ultimately upheld its decision to allow Balogun to play.
