Spain Set to Face Belgium in World Cup Quarter-Finals
Spain's 35‑match unbeaten run under Luis de la Fuente clashes with Belgium's gritty campaign, which includes a 4‑1 win over the United States and the loss of Amadou Onana to injury.
Jul 8, 2026
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Gianni Infantino
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Gianni Infantino across Soccer, Football, Basketball.
Spain Looks to Extend Record Streak Against Belgium in World Cup Quarter-Final
Spain enters the quarter-final with a 35-match unbeaten streak, while Belgium hopes to overcome the loss of Amadou Onana and a political backdrop to challenge the Spanish juggernaut.
Jul 8, 2026
U.S. Soccer Suspends Two Officials Ahead of 2026 World Cup Clash with Belgium
Two U.S. Soccer officials were suspended before the USMNT’s match against Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, citing mishandling of FIFA match protocols. The action is unrelated to Folarin Balogun’s reinstatement, and neither FIFA nor U.S. Soccer has commented.
Jul 8, 2026
European Lawmakers Press FIFA Over Political Neutrality Amid Balogun Ban Controversy
A coalition of European parliamentarians is demanding that FIFA confront allegations that its leadership has abandoned the principle of political neutrality after a U.S. president’s intervention in a disciplinary case.
Jul 8, 2026
U.S. Soccer Suspensions Overshadowed by Balogun Controversy Ahead of Belgium Clash
Two U.S. Soccer officials were suspended before the USMNT's 4-1 loss to Belgium, a result that was eclipsed by controversy over Balogun's red-card history and FIFA's decision to delay his sanction.
Jul 8, 2026
How the 2026 World Cup Reshaped Soccer in the United States
The 2026 World Cup drew record crowds and viewers, sparked a surge in youth participation, faced scrutiny over team performance, and introduced a groundbreaking equal‑pay prize‑money split between U.S. Soccer’s men’s and women’s programs.
Jul 8, 2026
Trump’s Shadow Over Football: How Political Pressure Undermines Institutional Trust
An investigation into how Donald Trump’s interference in a World Cup‑related disciplinary case reflects a broader pattern of eroding confidence in rule‑based institutions, from FIFA to electoral systems.
Jul 8, 2026
Uefa readies to block Russian teams as FIFA ponders reinstatement
European football’s governing bodies are on a collision course over the future of Russian participation, with Uefa preparing a ban despite the IOC’s suspension lift and FIFA considering a review.
Jul 8, 2026
Greeley Fans Grapple with U.S. Soccer’s World Cup Heartbreak
Local supporters watched the U.S. loss to Belgium at Greeley breweries, decrying the red card handed to Falorin Balogun and the involvement of President Trump in the controversy.
Jul 8, 2026
Belgian PM Avoids Trump Over Football Victory Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever will not bring up Belgium’s recent 4‑1 victory over the United States when he meets Donald Trump at the NATO summit, as the former president’s meddling in a US player decision sparks criticism of FIFA and raises questions about political decorum on the international stage.
Jul 8, 2026
U.S. Soccer Record Viewership Amid Political Controversy
A historic audience tuned in for the USA vs. Belgium World Cup match, but the game's legacy was shaped by a political intervention that sparked debate.
Jul 8, 2026
FIFA Suspends U.S. Officials Ahead of Crucial World Cup Clash
Two U.S. Soccer Federation officials were suspended by FIFA before a World Cup match against Belgium, a move unrelated to a later overturned red‑card involving Folarin Balogun. Former President Donald Trump discussed the incident with Gianni Infantino, insisting the call was not a foul. Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals and will meet Spain at Los Angeles Stadium.
Jul 8, 2026
The Persistent Myths That Haunt the World Cup
A look at the conspiracy theories that swirl around every World Cup, from political meddling to commercial narratives.
Jul 8, 2026
U.S. Men’s Team Exits World Cup Early, Walks Away With $15 Million
A $15 million FIFA payout, split equally between the men's and women's national teams, underscores a landmark pay‑equity agreement that reshapes U.S. Soccer's financial landscape.
Jul 7, 2026
Trump’s FIFA Meddling Sparks Controversy Over Balogun Red Card
A brief intervention by Donald Trump during the USA’s World Cup loss to Belgium has ignited a debate about political pressure on FIFA, the handling of a red‑card controversy involving Folarin Balogun, and the future of Gianni Infantino’s presidency.
Jul 7, 2026
Mauricio Pochettino’s Future with USMNT Secured Amid World Cup Exit and Controversy
The U.S. Men's National Team’s World Cup adventure ended with a 4‑1 defeat to Belgium, but the federation is already working to retain head coach Mauricio Pochettino and navigate a contentious disciplinary episode involving forward Folarin Balogun.
Jul 7, 2026
Trump’s Shadow Over Global Sports: From World Cup to Olympics
An examination of Donald Trump's alleged influence on U.S. sports outcomes, from the World Cup to future Olympic Games, and the broader perception of the United States as a pariah.
Jul 7, 2026
Belgian Soccer Team Trolls Donald Trump with Y.M.C.A. Dance After World Cup Victory
After a 4‑1 win over the United States, the Belgian squad turned a locker‑room moment into a viral dance, sparking a diplomatic ripple that reached the White House.
Jul 7, 2026
US Soccer’s World Cup Collapse: Political Interference and a 4-1 Humiliation
A 36‑hour saga that began with a politically charged FIFA ruling ended in a humiliating defeat, exposing deep defensive flaws and sparking a debate about the intersection of politics and sport.
Jul 7, 2026
Griffin Criticizes USMNT After Humbling Defeat to Belgium
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III expressed disappointment after the United States Men’s National Soccer Team fell 1‑4 to Belgium in the World Cup, critiquing the squad’s preparation and highlighting a red‑card controversy involving Falorin Balogun.
Jul 7, 2026
Political Interference Shadows U.S. Exit from World Cup
A controversial disciplinary reversal by FIFA, prompted by political pressure, turned a routine red-card into a headline-making scandal that defined the U.S. team's early tournament exit.
Jul 7, 2026
FIFA Reverses Suspension of U.S. Player Folarin Balogun Amid Political Pressure
A last‑minute U.S. political pressure campaign led FIFA to lift a suspension of forward Folarin Balogun, a move that sparked criticism over the intersection of politics and sport.
Jul 7, 2026
U.S. Soccer’s World Cup Heartbreak Amid Controversy Over Balogun Suspension
The United States men's team fell 4-1 to Belgium, a defeat amplified by FIFA's reversal on a red-card suspension for striker Folarin Balogun and public praise from President Donald Trump.
Jul 7, 2026
U.S. World Cup Exit Triggers Meme Wave Blaming Trump
The U.S. soccer team’s 4-1 defeat to Belgium has spawned a cascade of online jokes, many of which point to a reported phone call between President Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.
Jul 7, 2026