'Trump FIFA interference controversy': Even brazen tricks proved futile... 'All host nations eliminated' U.S. suffers humiliation in Round of 16 exit

*This content was translated by AI.

Despite controversies surrounding requests from U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S.'s star striker, whose suspension was temporarily suspended, started the match — but it proved futile.

Sports outlet 'The Athletic' reported on the 7th (Korean time) that "the Belgian Football Association's objection to FIFA's decision to cancel Paul Pogba's suspension ban was rejected."

The outlet noted that "Polin Valogun (AS Monaco), who was sent off in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on the 3rd, was included in Seattle's starting lineup for the Round of 16 match against Belgium on the 7th after intervention by President Trump, government officials, the U.S. Soccer Association, and a large legal team."

Despite the controversy, Valogun, who had scored three goals in this tournament, insisted on starting against Belgium but could not prevent his team's crushing defeat. The U.S. suffered a 1-4 loss to Belgium at Seattle Stadium, packed with home fans, and was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Round of 16.

As a result, all three North American host nations (U.S., Mexico, Canada) have been confirmed eliminated in the Round of 16.

Trouble had persisted since before the match. The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) formally protested Valogun's eligibility, stating, "We have no choice but to object to Valogun playing in the next match," but FIFA's Appeal Committee rejected Belgium's request.

Regarding this, 'The Athletic' reported that "FIFA issued a statement clarifying that 'the Belgian Association is not a party to the disciplinary proceedings and therefore has no right to appeal this decision.'"

While accepting FIFA's rejection, the Belgian Football Association expressed strong regret and warned of further action. The association stated, "We have not yet received specific grounds from FIFA for this decision, nor even copies of the overturning ruling or referee reports that we requested from the start of the procedure. This violates FIFA regulations. We have notified the U.S. Association that if Valogun is named in the match officials' list, we will continue to contest his eligibility and leave all further measures open."

This incident appears to be spreading into broader controversies over the fairness of the World Cup tournament. Valogun received a red card after video review (VAR) for stepping on Tarek Muharemovic's ankle in the first half against Bosnia, but FIFA suddenly announced a one-year suspension deferral based on Article 27 of its regulations, shocking the football world.

Subsequent reports by 'ESPN' and others revealed that President Trump had personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the sanction. Trump even posted on official channels: "Thank you to FIFA for making the right decision and correcting this great injustice."

Belgium coach Rudy Garcia, before the match, said, "This decision is unprecedented in World Cup history. The Belgian Association is not merely defending its own team but fighting to protect the integrity and ethics of football as a whole. As a coach, I will focus on the game and aim to win regardless of who starts for the U.S., with only reaching the quarterfinals in mind."

In contrast, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said, "I understand Belgium and Coach Garcia's position, but there is an intent to escalate the controversy. If anyone suffered from this incident, it was actually the U.S. Fighting with 10 players for 30–35 minutes in a World Cup tournament was already punishment in itself. The U.S. is not a villain who gained special advantage," defending FIFA's decision.

Meanwhile, regarding this measure, England coach Thomas Tuchel expressed concern: "Now we can endlessly argue to overturn yellow cards for Declan Rice or Michael Olise. I wonder where this trend will end."

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*This content was translated by AI.