'Justice Prevails': Controversy Over 'Discipline Suspension' Following Trump's Call, Yet U.S. Suffers 1-4 Rout Against Belgium [World Cup Review]

*This content was translated by AI.

The United States men's national soccer team, co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, failed to reach the quarterfinals. The defeat came immediately after local reports emerged that U.S. President Donald Trump intervened in a decision to suspend disciplinary action against key striker Polynin Balogun (AS Monaco), who was originally required to sit out due to suspension.

Coached by Mauricio Pochettino of Argentina, the United States suffered a 1-4 defeat against Belgium in the Round of 16 match held at Seattle Stadium on the 7th (Korea time). FIFA rankings place the United States at 17th and Belgium at 9th.

With this loss, the United States failed to advance to the quarterfinals and concluded its World Cup journey. The U.S. had aimed to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since the 2002 Korea-Japan tournament, 24 years later, but like in the previous Qatar tournament, it was eliminated in the Round of 16 for consecutive tournaments. Meanwhile, Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since the 2018 Russia tournament, eight years later, and will face Spain.

The United States' elimination on this day became a result of so-called "justice served." This is because the global community expressed outrage over FIFA's decision to suspend Balogun's disciplinary action prior to the match.

Earlier, FIFA suspended Balogun's one-match ban ahead of the U.S.-Belgium match. Balogun had been sent off in the Round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was also a key striker for the U.S. national team, having scored three goals in this tournament. According to regulations, Balogun was ineligible to play against Belgium in the Round of 16 due to his red card suspension.

However, FIFA suddenly suspended Balogun's disciplinary action for one year. According to the British public broadcaster BBC, this is only the second time in World Cup history that a suspension following a red card has been waived among 189 total red cards issued. In the 1962 Chile World Cup semi-final, Brazil's Garrincha was sent off but still played in the final; however, at that time, there was no automatic rule preventing players from playing the next match after receiving a red card. Ultimately, this marks the first instance in history where a disciplinary action following a red card has been overturned.

Reports from U.S. media outlets sparked controversy by revealing that President Trump had spoken directly with FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the decision. It was reported that President Trump personally called to request a review of the referee's decision. Coincidentally, FIFA made an unprecedented decision immediately after Trump's call. The European Football Association (UEFA) and the Belgian government, among others, simultaneously voiced their criticism over this disciplinary decision.

A match in which a player who should have been suspended due to disciplinary action participated under questionable circumstances. Nevertheless, the United States failed to overcome Belgium and was eliminated. The U.S. conceded an early goal in the 9th minute of the first half through Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta). De Ketelaere finished off a cross from Nicola Raskin (Rangers) arriving from the left flank with a close-range shot.

The United States equalized in the 31st minute of the first half with a right-footed mid-range free kick by Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), but Belgium regained the lead just two minutes later. De Ketelaere headed in a cross from the left flank to score.

The U.S. launched a counterattack, but instead, Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge) added another goal in the 12th minute of the second half, shifting momentum in Belgium's favor. Goalkeeper Matt Freese (New York City FC) stepped out of the goal to handle a loose ball but hesitated while failing to quickly process the situation. The ball then struck De Ketelaere's foot and rolled backward. Vanaken connected with a mid-range shot and scored into the empty net.

The U.S. tried to narrow the gap, but Belgium's concentration remained unshaken. In the 36th minute of the second half, during a counterattack, Balogun's left-footed shot in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper was saved by the keeper. Instead, Romelu Lukaku (Napoli) scored a decisive goal in stoppage time, sealing the match. The game ended with a 1-4 rout for the United States. With the U.S. elimination, all co-hosts of this tournament were eliminated in the Round of 16. Earlier, Canada was defeated by Morocco, and Mexico was eliminated by England.

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*This content was translated by AI.