USA v Belgium LIVE: Hosts crash out of World Cup despite controversial Balogun involvement

Hosts crash out of the World Cup in Seattle after a chaotic last-16 tie that saw Donald Trump intervene to suspend a red-card ban on striker Folarin Balogun. The USA’s 4-1 defeat to Belgium confirmed their exit, marking the first time a host nation has been eliminated in the knockout stages since the tournament expanded beyond the group phase.

How the USA’s World Cup dream ended in controversy

The match began with an asterisk. Balogun, sent off in the Round of 32 against Bosnia & Herzegovina for a second yellow card, had his suspension lifted after a call between US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The decision sparked outrage, compounding criticism of FIFA’s handling of the original red card, which many argued was disproportionate given the marginal nature of the challenge. Balogun started the game in Seattle, though he was denied by Thibaut Courtois in the 82nd minute after receiving a through ball, his only meaningful contribution in an otherwise subdued display.

Belgium, despite their talent, had already needed a dramatic stoppage-time winner to beat Senegal in the last 32. Their resilience was evident again, with Romelu Lukaku’s 93rd-minute goal sealing the win from a defensive error by USA defender Antonee Robinson, who hesitated under pressure before playing the ball into Lukaku’s path. The hosts, missing the edge of their attack, could not recover from a first half in which they struggled to impose themselves against a disciplined Belgian midfield.

Belgium’s tournament hangs on a thread

Roberto Martínez’s side remain one of the most talented squads in the competition, yet their results have not matched their pedigree. The 3-2 comeback against Senegal was dramatic; the 4-1 victory over the USA was more straightforward, though no less satisfying for a side under pressure to justify their status as favorites. Lukaku’s clean strike into the bottom right corner underscored Belgium’s ability to punish mistakes, while their defensive lapses—particularly in transition—remained a concern even in a comfortable win.

With Spain next in the quarter-finals, Martínez will hope his team can finally overcome Unai Simón, a goalkeeper who has been a persistent obstacle. Belgium have the talent to frustrate, but converting that into results has been their recurring issue, with their midfield often overrun against higher-pressing opponents. The question now is whether Martínez can address these deficiencies before facing a Spain side that has looked sharper in recent rounds.

What comes next for the USA and Belgium

The USA’s World Cup campaign ends in disappointment, their early exit a stark contrast to the optimism that greeted their co-hosting role. Balogun’s involvement, however brief, will be debated for years—was his inclusion a fair reprieve or an unfair advantage? Either way, the tournament moves on without them, leaving a void in a squad that had promised so much.

Belgium, meanwhile, face a daunting tie against Spain, a team that has looked more cohesive in recent matches. If Martínez’s side are to make a serious run, they will need to tighten their defensive structure and rediscover the cohesion that has been missing in key moments. Their potential remains undeniable, but potential alone will not be enough against a Spain side brimming with confidence.

Belgium’s next challenge awaits. Whether they can silence their critics and deliver on potential remains the biggest question of this World Cup.