Belgium ensured the ultimate chapter of one of many World Cup’s greatest controversies was written on the pitch, thrashing co-hosts USA 4-1 within the Spherical of 16 earlier than taking a pointed swipe at their opponents on social media.
Moments after the win in Seattle, the Belgian nationwide crew’s official X account posted a blunt message: “Overturn this.” It was a transparent reference to FIFA’s determination, lower than 24 hours earlier than kickoff, to droop Folarin Balogun’s automated one-match ban after his purple card in opposition to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Overturn this. 🧏♂️ #USABEL pic.twitter.com/KcBAJp3Z7d
— Belgian Crimson Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 7, 2026
The choice had sparked criticism throughout soccer. UEFA described it as “incomprehensible and unjustifiable”, whereas the Royal Belgian Soccer Affiliation (RBFA) vowed to “defend soccer” after FIFA rejected its enchantment.
The row dominated the build-up to the knockout tie. Balogun had been despatched off within the USA’s ultimate group-stage match, triggering an automated suspension. Belgium ready all week believing the striker would miss the sport earlier than FIFA reopened the case below Article 27 of its disciplinary code and overturned the ban on the eve of the match. The transfer shortly grew to become one of many match’s greatest speaking factors.
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans admitted the controversy had fuelled the squad.
“We have been all conscious of what occurred,” he stated. “Whether or not it gave us further motivation? Sure, most likely. However our greatest motivation was profitable the sport and reaching the quarter-finals.”
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stated Belgium felt disrespected by the narrative surrounding the build-up.
“We felt there was an absence of respect in direction of us. Everybody was speaking concerning the determination and the USA, as if Belgium didn’t exist. We wished to reply on the pitch, and I feel we did.”
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Midfielder Nicolas Raskin echoed these sentiments, saying the gamers had intentionally tried to disregard the off-field noise.
“There was loads being stated, however we stayed targeted on soccer. The most effective reply was to win convincingly.”
They took one other dig on X at how the game was known as in Europe as in comparison with North America.
It”s known as s̶o̶c̶c̶e̶r̶ . 😎 #USABEL #ScoredWithING pic.twitter.com/npWPnchKTa
— Belgian Crimson Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 7, 2026
Midfielder Nicolas Raskin echoed these sentiments, saying the gamers had intentionally tried to disregard the off-field noise.
“I feel there was all the time a justice someplace in life and the proven fact that one thing can occur like that, you’ll be able to put all of it you need, however we don’t suppose that was truthful. And in the present day, I feel it simply brings us somewhat little bit of luck. We wanted to win the sport and the message all through,” he advised reporters.
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Supervisor Rudi Garcia, nonetheless, refused responsible Balogun himself for the saga. Garcia revealed he spoke briefly with the American striker after the ultimate whistle and burdened that the controversy lay with FIFA’s decision-making moderately than the participant.
“No, it wasn’t wanted or obligatory … what actually mattered to us is our gameplan,” he stated, including that he had spoken with Balogun after the ultimate whistle. “He got here to speak to me, I actually like that. … It’s not his fault, he’s not the one responsible and that’s what I advised him.”