USA v Belgium LIVE: Trump reveals talks with Fifa over Balogun ban as USMNT prepare for crunch World Cup last 16 tie | OneFootball

Belgium vs USA has an extra dimension tonight, beyond it pitting one of Europe’s strongest sides against one of the World Cup co-hosts.

After US president Donald Trump called Fifa boss Gianni Infantino and managed to have Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban suspended, the USA striker is set to feature in Seattle.

And he could be crucial here, having scored three goals in three games, including in USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina in the last 32. For all the criticism of the decision to send Balogun off in that game, there has been even greater outrage at Fifa’s move to delay his ban by a year.

That is the backdrop as Belgium aim to live up to their status as one of the most-talented outfits in the tournament – a status they have not underlined with their results so far, including in the last 32, when they needed a miraculous comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 at the death.

Pochettino claims red card was 'completely unfair' and welcomes suspended ban for Balogun

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said on Sunday that he welcomed ​FIFA's decision to suspend striker Folarin Balogun's red card ban ahead of the team's World Cup last-16 match with Belgium on Monday in Seattle.

"I think everyone who really looked at the sport and trusts in ethics and integrity should celebrate that decision," Pochettino `told reporters. "We were punished enough against Bosnia and Herzegovina, playing with 10 men for 35 minutes after a decision that was completely unfair."

Jack Rathborn6 July 2026 19:45

USA v Belgium: USMNT train before World Cup last 16 clash

(Getty)

(Getty)

Jack Rathborn6 July 2026 19:00

Belgium ‘astonished’ by Fifa’s decision to wipe Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban

Rudi Garcia was left furious at Folarin Balogun’s ban being rescinded: “I didn’t know that at the World Cup the 5th of July is actually the first of April. It’s April Fools. I think it’s necessary to refer to our statement. A lot of what I feel is there.”

A statement from The Royal Belgian Football Association added: “The RBFA is astonished by Fifa’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.m. (Seattle time),”

Jack Rathborn6 July 2026 18:45

USA v Belgium: Red Devils train before World Cup last 16 clash

(Getty)

(Getty)

Jack Rathborn6 July 2026 18:32

Trump labels Balogun red card decision 'horrible'

“All I did was ask for a review,” Trump said when asked about it during an unrelated Oval Office event. “I didn’t say, ‘You have to do this.’”

ITrump labelled the referee's call as “horrible”.

“I didn’t think it was a foul,” he added. “I thought it was two great athletes that crashed into each other and got entangled.”

Jack Rathborn6 July 2026 18:24

USA v Belgium team news

USA will controversially have Balogun available after his suspension was wiped by Fifa. Pochettino also has injury concerns regarding Mark McKenzie and Cristian Roldan, while talisman Christian Pulisic will be expected to start after his injury problems earlier in the tournament.

Zeno Debast is still a doubt to feature for Belgium due to an injury that has kept him out the entire World Cup, though Leandro Trossard is fit despite concerns.

Jack Rathborn6 July 2026 18:11

Newer

1 / 2

Older