Belgium eliminated the United States Men's National Team from the World Cup with a 4-1 victory at Seattle Stadium on Monday, following a controversial eligibility decision involving U.
S. striker Folarin Balogun.
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in the first half for Belgium, while Malik Tillman converted a free kick for the hosts.
Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku sealed the win after the break.
Following the final goal, the Belgian squad celebrated by imitating the signature rally dance of U. S.
President Donald Trump, who had reportedly intervened to overturn Balogun's automatic suspension after a prior red card.
Belgian Federation Protests Eligibility Decision
The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed strong disapproval before the match regarding FIFA's late decision to suspend Balogun's punishment, as reported by The Athletic.
The federation actively sought clarification regarding the governing body's sudden reversal, stating it was "astonished" and would consider "all potential options."
Belgian officials warned of further legal or administrative steps if the American striker participated in the Round of 16 fixture, saying "all further actions open."
The organization criticized the lack of communication from football's governing body regarding the disciplinary policy shift.
"To date, the RBFA has still not received any grounds for this decision, nor has it received the information it has been requesting since the start of this procedure for a copy of the decision and the motivation declaring the player eligible as well as the referee's report.
Which is a breach of FIFA regulations," the RBFA said.
The team formally notified American soccer executives that they disputed the lineup prior to kickoff.
"The RBFA has informed the United States Soccer Federation that it contests the eligibility of the player, should the player be listed on the referee's team sheet.
This leaves all further actions open," the RBFA added.
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia expressed sarcasm regarding the timing of the clearance during his pre-game press conference.
"I didn't know that July 5 was equal to April 1 at FIFA," Garcia said.
The head coach emphasized that the protest focused on institutional integrity rather than the opposing team.
"We're not defending the national team or federation," Garcia said. "We're defending in football.
… It's the first time in World Cup history that such a decision is taken. I am a head coach, I will focus on my team, on tomorrow's game.
Regardless of the 11 starting players from the U. S.
, I will focus on my team."
FIFA dismissed the initial complaints filed by the Belgian delegation before the game commenced, as reported by The Mirror, calling them "inadmissible."
The Belgian federation reiterated its stance in a separate public communication regarding the dispute, stating "This leaves all further actions open."
The governing body failed to provide documentation to the European nation throughout the pre-match process.
"To date, the RBFA has still not received any grounds for this decision, nor has it received the information it has been requesting since the start of this procedure," the RBFA said.
Following the match, the official social media account of the Belgian team posted a graphic showing the final score with a direct caption: "Overturn this."
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino addressed his uncertain professional future following the tournament exit.
"In the next weeks, we can start to talk if the federation wants to talk," Pochettino said.
Pochettino, whose contract concludes this summer, noted that formal evaluations would occur after a period of rest.
"Right now, it's about resting a little bit, to think, have conversations with the federation to see what the decision is.
I'm so happy.
We've built a very good relationship, now is not a moment to talk about (my future)," he said.
Belgium advances to face Spain in the quarterfinals, while the United States exits in the Round of 16 for the second consecutive tournament.
