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Belgium Takes Shot at USMNT After Dominant World Cup Win

Belgium didn't wait long to celebrate its World Cup victory over the United States — or to revive the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's eligibility. According to the New York Post , moments after a commanding…

Andrew PowellJul 7, 20262 min read

2026 FIFA World Cup Belgium Men's soccer Politics U.S. News

Belgium didn't wait long to celebrate its World Cup victory over the United States — or to revive the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's eligibility.

According to the New York Post, moments after a commanding 4-1 Round of 16 victory Monday night, the Belgian national team's official X account posted a photo of striker Romelu Lukaku with the caption, "Overturn this."

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The message appeared to reference FIFA's decision to suspend Balogun's one-match ban, allowing the U.S. forward to play despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier in the tournament.

The ruling sparked objections from the Royal Belgian Football Association, which unsuccessfully challenged FIFA's decision before kickoff.

In a statement released before the match, the federation criticized FIFA's handling of the case.

"To date, the RBFA has still not received any grounds for this decision, nor has it received the information it has been requesting since the start of this procedure for a copy of this decision and the motivation declaring the player eligible as well as the referee's report," the federation said. "Which is a breach of FIFA regulations."

Belgian officials also warned they disputed Balogun's eligibility and reserved the right to pursue additional action if he appeared on the match sheet.

Once play began, Belgium

quickly shifted the focus to the field.

Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute to give the Red Devils an early advantage.

The United States responded in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman converted a direct free kick to level the match at 1-1.

Belgium answered almost immediately. Just two minutes later, De Ketelaere scored his second goal of the night to restore the lead.

Hans Vanaken extended the advantage after capitalizing on a costly mistake by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese, putting Belgium firmly in control.

Lukaku added the final goal three minutes into stoppage time, sealing the 4-1 victory and providing the image that accompanied Belgium's postgame social media jab.

The loss ends the United States' World Cup run on home soil.

Belgium advances to the quarterfinals, where the Red Devils will face Spain with a spot in the tournament's final four on the line.