Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin revealed his side were fuelled by a "sense of injustice" after United States striker Folarin Balogun was cleared to play in their FIFA World Cup last-16 clash, before the Europeans romped to a 4-1 victory and mocked the controversy with a 'Trump dance' celebration.
Balogun, 25, had been set to miss the Seattle showdown after a straight red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban for 12 months on Sunday. The decision sparked widespread backlash, with UEFA, Belgium, and England boss Thomas Tuchel among those criticising the ruling, before US President Donald Trump confirmed he had personally asked FIFA to review the ban.
Controversial Reprieve for Balogun
Trump declared the suspension would have left a "big stain" on the tournament and told the White House press corps he "didn't think it was a foul". He acknowledged speaking to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, but insisted he only requested a review and did not dictate the outcome.
"I think it would have left a big stain. I can't tell them what to do. I don't believe they made the decision; I believe it was the commission that made the decision. And it was the right decision."
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was "astonished" and appealed the decision, but a FIFA committee ruled Belgium were not an interested party as they were merely the next opponents.
Belgium Fired Up by Injustice
Speaking after the match, Rangers star Raskin acknowledged the off-field saga had lit a fire under the squad.
"A lot has happened off the pitch over the last two days. There was a sense of injustice within the squad, and we were determined to respond on the field."
Captain Youri Tielemans added: "We told ourselves we had to respond on the pitch. That's what we did."
After Belgium's fourth goal, several players performed the 'Trump dance' – the hips-rocking, arms-pumping move that became a viral hallmark of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. The official Belgium Instagram account also piled on, posting an image of striker Romelu Lukaku cupping his ear with the caption: "overturn this".
Dominant Display on the Pitch
Despite Balogun starting, the US were overwhelmed from kick-off. In a tournament already marred by off-field noise, the hosts never recovered from a chaotic opening. Belgium could have led inside a minute when Timothy Castagne forced Matt Freese into a full-stretch save, while Balogun managed just 11 first-half touches – fewer than any other outfield starter. The US defence, which had looked shaky all group stage, crumbled under relentless pressure, and a stream of home fans headed for the exits long before the final whistle confirmed the co-hosts' heaviest defeat since 1990.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia revealed Balogun sought him out after the game. "I really liked that," Garcia said. "It's not his fault, he's not the one to blame and that's what I told him." Garcia insisted his side's game plan was the decisive factor, regardless of the opposition's selection. Belgium now face Spain in the quarter-finals.
Key Takeaways
- Belgium used the Balogun eligibility saga as motivation, delivering a crushing 4-1 win and openly mocking the US with celebrations and social media posts.
- The FIFA decision to suspend the ban, reportedly after White House pressure, has ignited a debate over political interference in football governance.
- The US World Cup campaign ends in disarray; their shambolic defensive display raised questions about the team's tactical setup and mentality on home soil.
- Balogun's presence made little difference; the striker was anonymous, and the off-field circus appeared to distract the hosts rather than help them.
Quick Facts
Score: United States 1-4 Belgium
Venue: Seattle Stadium
Balogun first-half touches: 11
US heaviest defeat since: 1990
Belgium next opponent: Spain (quarter-final)
