Belgium’s midfielder Nicolas Raskin described the 4-1 victory over the United States as a moment of poetic justice, saying the result felt like a long‑awaited reward for his side after a tournament marked by controversy.
A Controversial Clearance
FIFA had permitted U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to feature in the match even though he had been sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. The governing body suspended his automatic one‑match ban under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, a move that drew criticism from Belgium’s football federation, which had unsuccessfully challenged his eligibility.
U.S. President Donald Trump later appealed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun’s case, underscoring the political attention the incident attracted. Infantino’s administration emphasized the independence of FIFA’s judicial bodies, but the episode added a layer of external pressure to an already fraught situation.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia chose to downplay the dispute, focusing instead on his team’s tactical preparation. After the match he spoke privately with Balogun, assuring him that the controversy would not define his performance.
Romelu Lukaku amplified the sentiment on social media, posting a photo of himself celebrating with the caption “Overturn this,” a clear nod to the disputed clearance that had sparked debate.
With the controversy now behind them, Belgium will travel to Los Angeles to face Spain in a quarter‑final clash that could determine a semifinal berth. The match is scheduled for Friday, and the team hopes to carry the momentum of their dominant display against the United States into the next round.