‘Overturn this’: Winners Belgium throw jab after Balogun red-card controversy
Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Belgium’s social media team kept it short and sweet when it came to knocking the United States out of the FIFA World Cup in the round of 16.
The build up to the match was overshadowed by Folarin Balogun's presence on the field, following FIFA’s decision to overturn his red card after US President Donald Trump intervened on Balogun's behalf.
Football leaders around the world to questioned the integrity of the World Cup, with European football body UEFA saying FIFA “crossed a red line”, while Belgium's football federation contested Balogun's eligibility.
However, he ultimately played a forgettable role in the Americans' 4-1 loss. Belgium’s post-match tweet summed it up in two words.
“Overturn this.”
The US tried to set up Balogun multiple times. He made use of his speed on several runs but could not get past Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. His best chance came in the 82nd minute, when Courtois got in front of a left-footed attempt. Balogun was replaced by Haji Wright in the 92nd minute.
To a suggestion that Balogun wasn’t a major presence on the field, US midfielder Tyler Adams responded: “Was anyone a major presence on the field today?”
“We were happy that we had the opportunity for him to play,” Adams said. “He tried today to be a presence and a nuisance, and at times he was — getting the ball in behind and doing what he does. Just didn’t have too many opportunities.”
Last Wednesday during the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Balogun was shown a red card by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent’s ankle, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.
After Trump spoke by phone to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for a year on Sunday.
Infantino said he did not play a role in the decision by the disciplinary committee, which also fined Balogun US$40,000, a penalty that can be paid by the US Soccer Federation.
The FIFA president was in attendance for the match, watching from a suite with Pascale Van Damme, chair of the Belgian Football Association, and Cindy Parlow Cone, president of the USSF.
Belgium fans chanted “FIFA Mafia!” during their pregame march to Lumen Field.
Balogun's three goals matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second most by an American in a World Cup.
– with AP