U.S. eliminated from World Cup after 4-1 loss to Belgium

The United States men's national soccer team was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, July 6, following a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in a Round of 16 match in Seattle. The loss, which ended the tournament for the co-hosting nation, was overshadowed by a major controversy involving U.S. President Donald Trump and the eligibility of American striker Folarin Balogun.

The controversy began after Balogun received a straight red card in the U.S. team's previous victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, which carried an automatic one-match suspension for the knockout game. President Trump confirmed he had called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card, which he called unfair. On Sunday, July 5, FIFA's disciplinary committee announced it was suspending Balogun's ban for a one-year probationary period, citing a provision in its disciplinary code that allows for discretionary measures. FIFA stated the committee operates independently and that Infantino was not involved in the ruling.

The decision triggered immediate international backlash. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) called it unprecedented, incomprehensible, and damaging to the...