Belgium did not hold back after sealing a commanding 4-1 victory over the United States in the FIFA World Cup round of 16, with players and officials making their feelings clear over FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one match ban before the clash in Seattle.
Moments after the final whistle, Belgium’s official social media accounts posted a pointed message alongside images of the team’s goal celebrations. The post simply read: “Overturn this,” in an apparent reference to FIFA’s decision to allow Balogun to play despite his straight red card in the previous round.
The controversy had dominated the build up to the match. Balogun, 25, looked certain to miss the knockout tie after being sent off for a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. Under FIFA regulations, the dismissal carried an automatic one match suspension.
However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension would be put on hold for 12 months, allowing the United States striker to face Belgium. The decision sparked widespread criticism, with UEFA, the Belgian Football Association and England manager Thomas Tuchel among those questioning the ruling.
United States President Donald Trump later revealed that he had personally asked FIFA to review Balogun’s suspension, saying enforcing the ban would have left a “big stain” on the tournament.
Despite Balogun returning to the starting lineup, Belgium comfortably outplayed the tournament co-hosts to book their place in the quarter finals.
Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin admitted the squad felt frustrated by the events leading up to the game but used the controversy as extra motivation.
“A lot has happened off the pitch over the last two days,” said Raskin.
“There was a sense of injustice within the squad, and we were determined to respond on the field.”
Captain Youri Tielemans echoed that view, insisting the team channelled its emotions into its performance.
“We told ourselves we had to respond on the pitch. That’s what we did,” he said.
Belgium’s celebrations also attracted attention. After Romelu Lukaku scored the fourth goal, several players celebrated with a dance resembling the widely recognised “Trump dance”, which became famous during Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
The Belgian national team’s official Instagram account added another subtle dig by posting a photo of Lukaku cupping his ear alongside the caption: “overturn this”.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia revealed that Balogun approached him after the match, and the Frenchman praised the striker’s gesture.
“I really liked that,” Garcia said. “It’s not his fault, he’s not the one to blame and that’s what I told him.”
Garcia also stressed that his players refused to let the controversy distract them from their objective.
“Regardless of the US starting line-up, what really mattered to us is our game plan.
“The group is very mature. I told them what matters the most is us.”
The fallout extended beyond Belgium. Iran’s football federation also appeared to mock the situation by posting an image comparing their draw against Belgium with the United States’ heavy defeat.
The post carried the message: “Now the whole world is dancing for the humiliating defeat of politics against football”.
The remark followed earlier comments from United States head of homeland security Markwayne Mullin, who previously said he “danced a happy dance” after Iran exited the tournament. Iran’s World Cup campaign had also been overshadowed by visa and travel issues linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States.
While the debate surrounding Balogun’s suspended ban is unlikely to disappear anytime soon, Belgium ensured the controversy had no impact on the result, producing one of their strongest performances of the tournament to secure a place in the World Cup quarter finals.
