The USA’s World Cup campaign ended unexpectedly and harshly, with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16. This loss was unforeseen, especially with the backdrop of the drama involving Folarin Balogun’s suspended red card.
President Donald Trump intervened by speaking to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, requesting a review of Balogun’s red card received in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Before the game against Belgium, it was announced that Balogun would be eligible to play, a decision that frustrated the Belgian team.
Despite this, Belgium emerged victorious. Charles de Ketelaere scored twice, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku each found the net, securing a decisive win for Belgium.
On the same day, Spain ousted Portugal from the tournament courtesy of Mikel Merino’s late goal. This marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s purported ‘last dance’ at a World Cup.
The USA’s 4-1 defeat was their most significant World Cup loss in 36 years, with a similar loss last occurring in 1990 against Czechoslovakia.
Many seats in the Seattle stadium were empty well before the game ended, as the optimism among American fans dissipated, overshadowed by Trump’s intervention regarding Balogun’s playing status.
Balogun addressed the situation post-match, acknowledging the controversy and stating, “When you’re given a red card, usually the protocol is you don’t play in the following game. Then, when that decision’s overturned, of course, it’s going to be controversial.”
He continued, “I accepted the decision when I was given the red card, and then I also accepted the decision when I was told I could play. There’s not too much else I can really say on the matter. All that being said, Belgium were the better team today. They played much better than us.”
US Team Coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed his disappointment, saying the team needs to learn from this experience. He remarked, “It’s a process to learn. We need to see why we did not approach the game in the same way as the rest of the World Cup.”
Off the field, FIFA defended Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after Trump labeled him ‘suspect’ for initially showing Balogun the red card.
Trump’s comments were made while justifying his call to Infantino, which led to the suspension of Balogun’s ban.
FIFA responded by affirming Claus’s professionalism, stating, “FIFA recognises Raphael Claus as one of the world’s leading professional referees and a valued member of Team One, FIFA’s elite group of referees, at the FIFA World Cup. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”
FIFA’s referee chief Pierluigi Collina also supported Claus, noting, “Raphael Claus is refereeing at his second FIFA World Cup, having been with us in Qatar in 2022. He is an experienced and highly respected referee, and we maintain full confidence in him as a trusted match official.”
In other tournament news, England has advanced to the quarter-finals after a thrilling 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico, setting up a clash with Norway for a place in the semi-finals.