The United States was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 4-1 to Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday night in Seattle.
The defeat ended the World Cup campaign of the U.S. Men’s National Team, which is hosting the tournament along with Canada and Mexico. All three host nations have now been knocked out of the competition.
However, the match was overshadowed by controversy involving U.S. striker Folarin Balogun and a FIFA decision that allowed him to play despite receiving a red card in the previous match.
Belgium’s football association had challenged FIFA decision to suspend Balogun’s ban and allow him to compete against Belgium. The appeal was rejected, with FIFA saying the Belgian association did not have the legal right to challenge the decision.
The controversy began after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked for a review of Balogun’s red card suspension.
Trump later confirmed that he had spoken with Infantino and said he believed the red card decision needed to be reviewed.
FIFA said the suspension was temporarily lifted under its disciplinary rules, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium.
The Royal Belgian Football Association criticized the decision, saying it was surprised by FIFA move and had not received enough information about why the suspension was changed.
European football’s governing body, UEFA, also questioned the decision, saying football depends on consistent rules and fair competition.
Before the match, U.S. Soccer said it accepted FIFA decision and was focused on the game against Belgium.
Balogun’s original suspension came after he received a red card during the U.S. match against Bosnia and Herzegovina following a video review.
FIFA said it used its disciplinary regulations to temporarily suspend the ban for a one year probation period.
The U.S. ultimately lost the match, with Belgium advancing to the quarterfinals. But the Balogun decision and Trump’s involvement with FIFA remained a major talking point after the game.
