Belgium swept aside co-hosts the United States 4-1 to book a place in the FIFA 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, ending the Americans’ campaign despite the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun‘s suspension.
The victory sets up a mouthwatering last-eight clash with European champions Spain. At the same time, the United States join fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico in exiting the tournament at the Round of 16 stage.
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Much of the pre-match attention centred on Balogun, who was controversially cleared to play after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban following intervention from United States President Donald Trump.
Belgium, meanwhile, surprised many by leaving Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku on the bench, but coach Rudi Garcia’s selection proved inspired.
