Belgium routs USA 4-1 after Trump's intervention in Balogun red card saga, EU lawmakers demand FIFA probe
Belgium dismantled the United States 4-1 in the World Cup round of 16, hours after FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's ban following a phone call from President Trump. The result triggered a political backlash, with 30 MEPs now demanding an inquiry into potential outside interference.
The match
Belgium delivered a crushing 4-1 victory over the United States in Seattle, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice. The win sent the Red Devils into a quarterfinal against Spain on 10 July in Los Angeles and ended the American campaign on a sour note.
We told ourselves we had to speak on the pitch. That's what we did today. I'm very proud of the team.
The controversy
Folarin Balogun, the US striker, was sent off in the previous round against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic. The automatic one-match ban was suspended by FIFA's disciplinary committee just hours before kick-off, after President Trump called Gianni Infantino to request a review. Trump later posted on Truth Social thanking FIFA for "overturning a great injustice."
- Folarin Balogun receives a red card in USA's round-of-32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- FIFA suspends Balogun's one-match ban after a phone call from President Trump to Gianni Infantino.
- Belgium defeats the United States 4-1 in the round of 16 in Seattle.
- A group of 30 MEPs calls for an investigation into potential political interference in FIFA's decision.
- Belgium faces Spain in the quarterfinals in Los Angeles.
Political fallout
The decision drew sharp criticism from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, who said it "exceeded every limit" and threatened the integrity of the game. The Belgian football federation (RBFA) vowed to continue monitoring the case, citing legal certainty, transparency, equal treatment and fair play.
The integrity of the game is threatened and the credibility of the tournament is shaken.
European Parliament steps in
Around 30 MEPs, led by Barry Andrews (Renew) and Lara Wolters and Nils Fuglsang (S&D), sent a letter to European football federations calling for an investigation into whether the FIFA decision was influenced by external political pressure. They demanded full transparency, noting that the credibility of the World Cup depends on strict application of the rules.
Global media reaction
European newspapers were scathing. Belgium's Het Nieuwsblad ran the headline "Who will you call now, Donald?" while France's L'Equipe wrote "All that effort... for this?" The Guardian said FIFA had "opened Pandora's box," and Germany's Bild declared that "Belgium avenged football." After the final whistle, Belgian players performed Trump's signature dance on the pitch.
