Belgium eliminates USA from World Cup 2026 with 4-1 victory and mocks Trump

Belgium defeated the USA 4-1 in Seattle on July 7, 2026, eliminating the co-hosts from the World Cup. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in the first half, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku contributed further goals after the break. Following the match, Belgium's players celebrated by mimicking US President Donald Trump's dance moves, and the team's official social media account posted, "Overturn this," in reference to Folarin Balogun's overturned red card.

Belgium's Dominant Performance

Belgium's victory was marked by their strong offensive play, with De Ketelaere leading the charge. The team's strategy proved effective, allowing them to secure a place in the quarter-finals against Spain. The Belgian football association (RBFA) expressed its commitment to advocating for a review of FIFA's disciplinary regulations following the controversial handling of Balogun's red card.

RBFA's statement emphasized the need for transparency and fair play in international football. They stated, "The RBFA firmly believes that international football is best served by a disciplinary and governance framework that fully upholds the principles of legal certainty, transparency, equal treatment and fair play."

Controversy Surrounding Balogun's Red Card

The match buildup was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Balogun's red card, which was suspended after intervention from President Trump. The FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the independence of FIFA's disciplinary committee amidst claims that the integrity of the game was at stake. UEFA criticized FIFA's decision, asserting that it had crossed a red line.

Belgium's head coach Rudi Garcia praised Balogun's character, stating, "It's not his fault, he's not the one to blame." Balogun himself commented, "I accepted the decision when I was given the red card, and I accepted the decision when I was told I was allowed to play."

Reactions to Belgium's Victory

Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin noted the sense of injustice within the squad leading up to the match. "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," he said.

USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed disappointment over the political distractions surrounding the match, stating, "It didn't affect our performance. It's not an excuse, but it was difficult to focus on the game." As Belgium prepares for their next match, they remain focused on proving their capabilities on the pitch.