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Belgium responds with 4-1 win over US after Balogun's eligibility controversy

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 5:17 AM

Last updated Jul 7, 2026

Belgium responds with 4-1 win over US after Balogun's eligibility controversy
Summary

Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in their World Cup last-16 match in Seattle on July 7. This match followed Fifa's decision to suspend a one-match ban for US striker Folarin Balogun, which had incited criticism from many, including Belgium’s team. Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin stated that their squad felt a sense of injustice regarding Balogun’s eligibility, further fueling their performance. Following the match, Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia emphasized that the team focused on their game plan regardless of outside controversies. Belgium advances to the quarter-finals, where they will face Spain.

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Key Details
  • •Belgium defeats the US 4-1 in Seattle.
  • •Match followed Fifa's suspension of Balogun's red card.
  • •Raskin says team felt a sense of injustice.
  • •Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals.
  • •Garcia focused on game plan amid off-field issues.
Latest Updates
  • 5:17 AMYahoo Sports — 'Overturn this' – Belgium taunt US and say Trump move fired them up
  • 5:17 AMBBC Sport — 'Overturn this' – Belgium taunt US and say Trump move fired them up
What they're saying
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Belgium's Nicolas Raskin says Fifa's decision to allow US striker Folarin Balogun to play against them fired them up for the last-16 tie in Seattle.

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Belgium's Nicolas Raskin says Fifa's decision to allow US striker Folarin Balogun to play against them fired them up for the last-16 tie in Seattle.

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