Fifa boss Gianni Infantino is facing increasing calls to resign his position as the controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s intervention in the World Cup rumbles on.
The US president was mocked by Belgium’s players after Rudi Garcia’s side beat the United States 4-1 to knock the tournament co-hosts out, while a taunt on social media appeared to reference the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban by Fifa. Balogun was able to start in Seattle with his sanction postponed, a decision which followed a personal appeal by Trump to Infantino over the striker’s red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina to raise questions about the World Cup’s integrity.
In the end, it was not really a contest as Belgium became the sixth side into the World Cup quarter-finals against a subdued USA. Belgium will now face Spain in the last eight in Los Angeles on Friday.
Follow all of the reaction and latest fallout with our World Cup live blog below:
World Cup 2026 LIVE
- Belgium dump USA out of World Cup with 4-1 win despite controversial Folarin Balogun involvement
- Balogun started for USA after Fifa stunningly delayed his red-card ban by a year after Donald Trump's intervention
- Belgian players appeared to mock President Trump in celebration
- Fifa president Gianni Infantino facing calls to resign
- ANALYSIS: Trumpification of Fifa will have repercussions well beyond this stained World Cup
Gregg Berhalter claims Belgium 'not that much better' than USMNT
18:00 , Jack Rathborn
"To me they're not that much better, if you look at transfer market value, Belgium XI is $270m, we're about $240m, it's not a huge gap, I just think we didn't have a good day,” Berhalter tells Coaches’ Corner.
“That's part of it, tactically we could've done things better, but we were off it. When you look at how many passes were missed.
“That's not normal. It's a faster level and a better opponent. McKennie plays in the Champions League, he's used to that level, it's not normal that he misses that many passes."
Gary Lineker suggests United States should have left Folarin Balogun out
17:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Gary Lineker believes the United States should have left Folarin Balogun out of their team to face Belgium in the World Cup last 16 even after the controversial decision to suspend his one-match ban.
Balogun was initially banned for Monday’s match because of his red card in the last 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last Wednesday, but Fifa’s disciplinary committee announced on Sunday that the ban had been suspended.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday he had personally lobbied FIfa counterpart Gianni Infantino on the topic, leading to accusations that FIfa had been swayed by political interference, something strictly prohibited under its statutes.
Balogun’s presence did not ultimately help the Americans, who lost 4-1, and former England forward Lineker believed the team could have taken a stand on the issue by continuing to leave him out.
“It would have been a good play for either Balogun or (head coach) Mauricio Pochettino to just say, ‘actually, I don’t think that’s right for football, the integrity of the game, the integrity of the sport’,” Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast .“And I wonder whether they were better off just saying, ‘Actually, we’re going to leave him out anyway’.”
ANALYSIS: Trumpification of Fifa will have repercussions well beyond this stained World Cup
17:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Donald Trump’s intervention in the Folarin Balogun furore has opened the Fifa president to his most fierce criticism yet, writes Miguel Delaney, and may pave the way for more bitter ‘lawfare’ in football:
Gianni Infantino’s Trumpification of the World Cup only leads to one thing
Belgium mock Trump's dance move in dressing room after crushing win vs USA
17:15 , Jack Rathborn
Belgium particularly enjoyed rubbing it in after easing past the USMNT in Seattle.
After Romelu Lukaku’s goal, the Red Devils mocked President Donald Trump’s dance.
And the squad did so again in the dressing room after the match.
Ils ont réitéré dans le vestiaire 😭😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/4oPXdhRSfT
— Belgium Touch 🇧🇪 (@BelgiumTouch) July 7, 2026
Follow Argentina vs Egypt LIVE
17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
We’ll have plenty more fallout from the Donald Trump/Fifa saga to come, but if you want to follow today’s first helping of round of 16 action, kick off is imminent in Atlanta – will Lionel Messi and Argentina march on?
Argentina v Egypt LIVE: Team news and latest updates from World Cup clash
Former USMNT coach claims Mauricio Pochettino misused Christian Pulisic at World Cup
16:45 , Jack Rathborn
”I feel like the people have high expectations of what he should be doing, I know Christian very well, I know what his strengths are,” former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter told Coaches’ Corner.
“He scores a lot of goals by arriving in the penalty box. How often did he get into the penalty box in the last game or even in the World Cup? He's very good at combining and in one-v-one situations.
“That's how we need to use him. I don't think he was in those positions enough in the game.
“When you look at the right side of the field. They have to get the ball into the penalty box for Christian to really thrive and arrive, I don't know if the right side did that too often.
“I know by his standards, he would have wanted more in this World Cup, to score and be more impactful, but I think it's a case of how he was used."
Why World Cup exit showed the limits to the USA’s power – on and off the pitch
16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Out in the last 16 – again. What to make of the USA’s World Cup campaign? Richard Jolly asks that very question.
Why World Cup exit showed the limits to the USA’s power – on and off the pitch
VOTE: Should Gianni Infantino resign?
16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Fifa president clarifies Donald Trump conversation over rescinding Balogun ban
15:45 , Michael Jones
Here is how Gianni Infantino explained the Donald Trump phone call yesterday.
Fifa president clarifies Donald Trump conversation over rescinding Balogun ban
Inside the world of Gianni Infantino: ‘The ass-kissing of Trump got us nowhere’
15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Want to know more about the relationship between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump? Miguel Delaney has you covered with this excellent piece from before the World Cup.
Inside the world of Gianni Infantino: ‘The ass-kissing of Trump got us nowhere’
Downing Street clarifies Starmer’s role in England World Cup kick-off talks amid political interference row
15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Downing Street has moved to clarify Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s involvement in discussions surrounding the kick-off time for England’s World Cup match against Mexico, amid a wider controversy concerning potential political interference in Fifa by American president Donald Trump.
Downing Street clarifies Starmer’s role in England World Cup kick-off talks
How Donald Trump has ruined the World Cup as well as America
15:00 , Stephen Marche
The scenes from the World Cup have, at times, been reminiscent of a different era in global politics and a different America. Scottish football fans somehow managed to drink Boston out of lager. Skinny Europeans wondered at Texas-size portions on TikTok. Americans stood amazed at Japanese fans cleaning up the stadiums after their games. On the streets, there were festivals of celebrated difference and shared joy. Meanwhile the US government have continued its pursuit of random acts of cruelty: banning a Somali referee and forcing Iranian players to leave the country immediately after games. Its most recent controversy saw it abusing or ignoring the rules to nullify one of its players’ red cards. The tournament displayed, loudly, a reality that the world has been figuring out quietly since the beginning of the second Trump administration: Americans are one thing. America is quite another.
How Donald Trump has ruined the World Cup as well as America
Fifa president Gianni Infantino faces calls to resign as Gary Lineker joins backlash to World Cup controversy
14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
If you missed it earlier, Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, is facing calls to resign over the Folarin Balogun saga and Donald Trump’s apparent interference in the World Cup.
Infantino faces calls to resign as Klopp leads backlash to World Cup controversy
Folarin Balogun confirms he was not involved in getting Belgium ban overturned
14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Folarin Balogun has acknowledged the "controversial" decision that allowed him to play for the United States against Belgium on Monday, but insisted he played no part in the process.
Folarin Balogun confirms he was not involved in getting Belgium ban overturned
‘Fifa needs purging, top to bottom’: Readers demand action on Infantino after Balogun red card row
13:30 , Lauren MacDougall
Fifa is facing a fresh credibility crisis after Gianni Infantino intervened to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban, reportedly after a personal phone call from Donald Trump.
The decision let the USA striker play in their last-16 defeat to Belgium – a game the hosts lost heavily, with several Belgian players mocking Trump in celebration.
The backlash has been swift. Jurgen Klopp, Gary Lineker, Sepp Blatter and senior British politicians have all joined calls for Infantino to resign, accusing him of breaching Fifa’s own neutrality rules for the sake of a friendly US president.
Independent readers agree emphatically. In yesterday’s poll on whether Fifa made the right call, more than 5,000 people voted – and 93 per cent said no. Just 5 per cent backed the decision, with 2 per cent unsure.
Readers say ‘Fifa needs purging’ after Balogun red card row
‘The Trump effect’: President ridiculed in US after team thrashed by Belgium at World Cup
13:00 , Joe Sommerlad
President Donald Trump has been ridiculed after his controversial intervention in the Fifa World Cup proved fruitless and the U.S. crashed out of the tournament in a comprehensive 4-1 thrashing by Belgium.
Trump had lobbied Fifa President Gianni Infantino to review a red card shown to star striker Folarin Balogun in their last-32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, prompting the organizing body to announce Sunday that the player’s one-match ban would be suspended, sparking a global outcry.
‘The Trump effect’: President ridiculed in US after national team thrashed by Belgium
Watch: Belgium mock Trump's dance move after beating USA
12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Fifa Disciplinary Committee takes swipe at Uefa over criticism of Folarin Balogun ban decision
12:30 , Jack Rathborn
Fifa has dismissed criticism from Uefa after being accused of “crossing a red line” in its handling of Folarin Balogun’s red card and suspending the one-game ban to enable the USA striker to play in the World Cup last 16 tie against Belgium.
Fifa committee takes swipe at Uefa over criticism of Balogun ban decision
England consider Jarell Quansah red card appeal after Fifa set Balogun precedent
12:00 , Miguel Delaney
England say they are “considering all options” regarding an appeal of Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico on Sunday night.
Three Lions defender Quansah, starting just his second World Cup 2026 match, was sent off in the 54th minute after a VAR review for a studs-up tackle on Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo.
The sending off means Quansah is currently suspended for the quarter-final tie against Norway on Saturday and, via the rulebook, there is no formal grounds for an appeal.
However, the “suspension” of Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban on Sunday – meaning the USA striker could play against Belgium on Monday – has changed the game somewhat. Fifa invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code, essentially handing Balogun a “probationary” sanction, and US president Donald Trump admitted on Monday that he called Fifa president Gianni Infantino to consider wiping Balogun’s ban.
England consider Jarell Quansah red card appeal after Fifa set Balogun precedent
Fifa refereeing chief praises official criticised by Trump
11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The match official labelled “suspect” by United States President Donald Trump has been praised by Fifa referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina.
Trump criticised Brazilian referee Raphael Claus on Monday after he sent off US striker Folarin Balogun following a VAR review in the last-32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun’s red card was controversially suspended on Sunday, allowing him to play in the Americans’ last-16 tie against Belgium which they lost 4-1 on Monday in Seattle.
Fifa issued a statement praising Claus as “one of the world’s leading professional referees and a valued member of Team One (the referees team) at the Fifa World Cup”.
It added: “Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”
WATCH: Balogun case brings karmic justice now, but maybe big future legal problems for Fifa
11:10 , Miguel Delaney
USA manager Mauricio Pochettino disappointed over 'politics and manipulation'
11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Mauricio Pochettino admitted his disappointment at the “politics and manipulation” which overshadowed the United States’ World Cup exit following President Donald Trump’s intervention.
The co-hosts were dumped out of the competition in the last 16 after they were thumped 4-1 by Belgium in Seattle.
They did so with star man Folarin Balogun included in the starting line-up after the one-match ban he incurred for his dismissal during the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round was controversially suspended, with President Trump revealing he had asked Fifa president Gianni Infantino to review the situation.
Asked afterwards if the outcry the decision sparked had affected he and his players, USA head coach Pochettino told the BBC: “It didn’t affect our performance. It’s not an excuse. It wasn’t our day.
“But in a personal way, what is the point to insult or receive a lot of bad messages?
“It’s a rule for the federation to apply and to try [to overturn the ban]. My position was to train the team. If Balogun is available because FIFA allow for you to have the player, it’s not a problem.
“I feel disappointed with too many people. They put politics and manipulation, talk about ethics and integrity [first]. If we talk about the history of this game, I am disappointed in a personal way.”
Gianni Infantino’s Trumpification of Fifa will have repercussions well beyond this stained World Cup
10:30 , Miguel Delaney
Donald Trump’s intervention in the Folarin Balogun furore has opened the Fifa president to his most fierce criticism yet, writes Miguel Delaney, and may pave the way for more bitter lawfare in football
Gianni Infantino’s Trumpification of the World Cup only leads to one thing
Belgium manager reveals what he told Folarin Balogun after win over USA: ‘It’s not his fault’
10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia has revealed that Folarin Balogun sought him out for a chat after the United States striker’s controversial involvement in the World Cup round of 16 clash.
Belgium manager reveals what he told Balogun after USA win: ‘It’s not his fault’
HAVE YOUR SAY: Should Gianni Infantino resign?
10:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Starmer stepped in to stop Fifa bringing forward Mexico kick-off time
09:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Is it just Donald Trump interfering in the World Cup? It seems Sir Keir Starmer may have had some input in England and Mexico’s clash going ahead as originally scheduled. Holly Evans reports.
Starmer stepped in to stop Fifa bringing forward Mexico kick-off time
The only thing ruining this brilliant World Cup is the staggering corruption of those in charge
09:30 , Jim White
This has been the World Cup defined by the upending of expectation. Gloomy forecasts of skyrocketing prices putting off spectators, of visiting fans being denied visas, of expat supporters finding themselves lifted wholesale from the streets of US cities by immigration and customs enforcement, have not come to pass. Instead, we have seen state-of-the-art stadiums packed to the gunwales, glorious football, goals galore. And, perhaps most pleasingly of all, the first fortnight was entirely free of Donald Trump.
Until now. Yesterday, with the USA poised to take on Belgium in a last-16 tie in Seattle, he got involved. And in the most underhand, dispiriting and frankly Trump-like manner.
The only thing ruining this brilliant World Cup is the kleptocracy in charge
Will Gianni Infantino resign?
09:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
No, one would presume. Fifa’s president seems to have a position of supreme strength at the top of global football’s governing body. He’s twice won re-election unopposed since his elevation to the role in 2016, and Infantino has already said he intends to run again for another four-year term in 2027.
Inside the world of Gianni Infantino: ‘The ass-kissing of Trump got us nowhere’
09:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Want to know more about the relationship between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump? Miguel Delaney has you covered with this excellent piece from before the World Cup.
Inside the world of Gianni Infantino: ‘The ass-kissing of Trump got us nowhere’
Fifa president Gianni Infantino faces calls to resign as Gary Lineker joins backlash to World Cup controversy
08:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, is this morning facing calls to resign over the Folarin Balogun saga and Donald Trump’s apparent interference in the World Cup.
Infantino faces calls to resign as Klopp leads backlash to World Cup controversy
Belgium's Nicolas Raskin says 'justice' done
08:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin felt that his side’s win was “justice” after the Folarin Balogun saga.
“Like I said, I think there was always a justice somewhere in life and the fact that something can happen like that. You can put it all you want, but we don't think that was fair,” Raskin said. “And today, I think it just brings us a little bit of luck. We needed to win the game.”
Belgium mock Donald Trump after knocking USA out of World Cup: ‘Overturn this’
08:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Belgium’s players appeared to mock Donald Trump with the president’s trademark dance after knocking the United States out of the World Cup.
The USA were comfortably second best in Seattle as the co-hosts exited the tournament with a sluggish display that saw them beaten 4-1.
The build-up to the round of 16 encounter had been overshadowed by Trump’s apparent role in the suspending of a one-match ban for striker Folarin Balogun, who had been sent off in the win against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
And Belgium appeared to delight in overcoming the USA and Balogun, who started in Seattle, taking a couple of digs at the president as they celebrated reaching the quarter-finals.
Belgium mock Trump after knocking USA out of World Cup: ‘Overturn this’
Fifa backs referee called ‘suspect’ by Trump after Folarin Balogun ban wiped
08:00 , Will Castle
Fifa have backed the referee branded as “suspect” by Donald Trump after the US president intervened to get Folarin Balogun’s red card suspended.
“Fifa recognises Raphael Claus as one of the world's leading professional referees and a valued member of Team One at the Fifa World Cup,” a statement read. “Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
"It is very simple and cannot ever be overstated - without referees, there is no football."
Fifa backs referee called ‘suspect’ by Trump after Folarin Balogun ban wiped
Fifa has not learnt its lesson
07:30 , Kieran Jackson
It came like a bolt from the blue, so much so that many Team USA players and staff were completely unaware of the pack of cards being shuffled behind closed doors on Sunday morning. US defender Chris Richards even admitted: "I thought it was AI at first.”
Balogun call shows lessons not learned as Trump arrives at World Cup
Game in data
07:00 , Alan Smith
USA 1-4 Belgium
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) July 7, 2026
Belgium put on a show in Seattle, thrashing co-hosts USA 4-1 in this last-16 tie. A much deserved win for the Belgians, who outplayed an out-of-sorts US.
All three co-hosts are now out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. pic.twitter.com/V21mogxp6T
Belgian's revenge
06:30 , Will Castle
It”s called s̶o̶c̶c̶e̶r̶ 𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐓𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋. 😎 #USABEL #ScoredWithING pic.twitter.com/npWPnchKTa
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 7, 2026
Fifa hit back at Uefa
06:00 , Alan Smith
Fifa has dismissed criticism from Uefa after being accused of “crossing a red line” in its handling of Folarin Balogun’s red card and suspending the one-game ban to enable the USA striker to play in the World Cup last 16 tie against Belgium.
Fifa committee takes swipe at Uefa over criticism of Balogun ban decision
Blatter accuses Fifa of bowing to political pressure
05:30 , Alan Smith
Sepp Blatter, Fifa’s former president, was scathing in his criticism.
On his X account, he stated: "Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies."
Blatter accuses Fifa of bowing to political pressure over Balogun red card decision
Trossard's early impact
05:00 , Alan Smith
1 - Leandro Trossard at the 2026 World Cup:
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 7, 2026
🥇17 chances created
🥈2.16 Expected Assists (behind Michael Olise)
🎯2 assists
Provider. https://t.co/BzMMPMfC2J
A familiar exit
04:45 , Alan Smith
The USMNT has lost five of six games in the World Cup round of 16.
— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) July 7, 2026
2026 🇺🇸 L 4-1 to Belgium
2022 🇺🇸 L 3-1 to Netherlands
2014 🇺🇸 L 2-1 to Belgium
2010 🇺🇸 L 2-1 to Ghana
2002 🇺🇸 W 2-0 vs Mexico
1994 🇺🇸 L 1-0 to Brazil
Charles' exclusive club
04:30 , Alan Smith
USA 🇺🇸 1-3 🇧🇪 BEL (57') - De Ketelaere 🇧🇪 has a hand in three goals against the hosts (2 goals plus the assist for Vanaken). He joins a historic club: players with two goals and one assist in a knockout match against a host nation.
— MisterChip (English) (@MisterChiping) July 7, 2026
Körner 🇦🇹 - Switzerland (1954)
Garrincha 🇧🇷 -…
Lukaku's history
04:15 , Alan Smith
4 - Romelu Lukaku is the first player to score as a substitute in four different FIFA World Cup matches.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 7, 2026
Super. pic.twitter.com/cBmt8td6eP
Bad karma strikes for USA as co-hosts crash out of World Cup to defiant Belgium | The Independent
04:00 , Kieran Jackson
After all the controversy and commander-in-chief-led skullduggery, here came the great American fall from grace. Following the whackiest of all lead-ups to a World Cup knockout match, one statement outdoing the next, an aggrieved Belgium outfit firmly made their statement on the pitch to knock the United States out of the World Cup on Monday evening.
That’s what you call bad karma, Mr President.
And it felt fitting that Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who took Trump’s call to arms, was present in his VIP seat to bear witness. The extraordinary debacle surrounding the removal of Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban, rendering him available for this match, had cast a dark cloud over the sporting integrity of this World Cup. It was an unprecedented type of political interference, meddling with on-field decisions on a global stage. Sometimes, though, sport has its own way of providing poetic justice. And in the Seattle heat, it was a dish best served cold.
That’s bad karma for you, Mr President, as United States crash out of World Cup
Up next
03:45 , Alan Smith
Now Spain await in the last eight on Friday night.
Earlier on they knocked Portugal out as Cristiano Ronaldo bid farewell to the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest World Cup failure leaves one predictable regret
Creator-in-chief
03:30 , Alan Smith
Leandro Trossard has now created more chances than any other player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) July 7, 2026
His 17th chance created assisted Charles De Ketelaere's second goal vs USA. pic.twitter.com/a5m994f348
Fifa backs referee called ‘suspect’ by Trump after Balogun ban wiped
03:15 , Will Castle
Fifa have backed the referee branded as “suspect” by Donald Trump after the US president intervened to get Folarin Balogun’s red card suspended.
Fifa backs referee called ‘suspect’ by Trump after Folarin Balogun ban wiped
American dream over
03:07 , Alan Smith
That is a top-tier embarrassment for the USA. The president got involved to ensure the rulebook was ripped up so their goalscorer could play.
But he was anonymous here, barely getting a sniff all game. They were then a complete shambles at the back, allowing their European visitors to walk all over them.
FULL-TIME! USA 1-4 Belgium
02:58 , Alan Smith
Belgium will face Spain on Friday evening. The USA are, well, not going home... but no longer a feature in this tournament beyond being hosts.
GOAL! USA 1-4 Belgium (Lukaku 93)
02:57 , Alan Smith
That adds insult to injury. The big man is off dancing with his teammates by the corner flag after swishing into the bottom right corner. It comes from another cheap give away by Richards, who dawdles when playing it out from the back.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:56 , Alan Smith
92’ - Wright and Arfsten are on for Balogun and Robinson. Token changes and nothing more.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:54 , Alan Smith
90’ - There will be four added minutes.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:54 , Alan Smith
89’ - Trossard and Raskin are replaced by Witsel and Saelemaekers for the final few minutes.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:52 , Alan Smith
88’ - Could Belgium frustrate Spain? I think so. Can they finally beat Unai Simon? I doubt it. That should make for a fascinating clash on Friday evening.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:50 , Alan Smith
87’ - Castagne and Tielemans combine to foul Pepi.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:48 , Alan Smith
84’ - Onana has reappeared on the sidelines using crutches and with his right knee in a brace.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:46 , Alan Smith
82’ - Balogun gets some space to run into but his shot is well stopped by Courtois.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:45 , Alan Smith
82’ - McKennie drags Doku to the ground. The home fans are fuming. I’m not sure why beyond it masking the realisation their World Cup is likely soon over.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:43 , Alan Smith
79’ - Berhalter has a go from range. It hits the stanchion which holds the net tight. He then urges the crowd to wake back up. Maybe we’re about to see an almighty assault for the final 10 minutes plus change?
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:41 , Alan Smith
78’ - Belgium continue to coast. The game is at walking pace and the Americans are barely even trying to find a way back into the match. Such a stranger performance.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:39 , Alan Smith
75’ - On BBC talk has already shifted towards how Belgium will line up against Spain on Friday night. That is how awful the US look right now.
Doku wins a corner.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:36 , Alan Smith
73’ - Pepi replaces Adams. That means a change of shape. The Americans need a lot more than that to turn this tie around.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:35 , Alan Smith
71’ - Balogun, it should be added, has been as ineffective as a player could possibly be.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:32 , Alan Smith
69’ - Tillman is booked for a silly challenge on Tielemans.
That brings us to the commercial interlude.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:32 , Alan Smith
68’ - Doku and Lukaku are on for Lukebakio and De Ketelaere. We’re yet to have the hydration break. The US need some rocket fuel to get going.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:29 , Alan Smith
66’ - They have won a corner. May it be the start of something? No because Freeman heads high and wide.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:28 , Alan Smith
65’ - It sounds like the atmosphere has completely fallen flat in Seattle. Belgium have - again, so far - been masterful in terms of their execution.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:26 , Alan Smith
63’ - Belgium remain hungry for more. De Ketelaere lays off to Trossard and his shot is blocked out for a corner by Richards.
Pulisic is distraught on the bench. Coach Poch looks befuddled.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:25 , Alan Smith
62’ - USA’s only attempt on target remains the goal, which was fortunately deflected in. They have not risen to the occasion at all. But there is still time if they can get one back.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:24 , Alan Smith
59’ - It’s all going wrong. Pulisic is now off injured, replaced by Berhalter.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:23 , Alan Smith
58’ - Freese was asleep in Seattle. Belgium build it out from the back before a long ball causes havoc. Freese rushes off his line to intercept and it appears a straightforward clearance. Except, under pressure from De Ketelaere, he botches it and hesitates before kicking it off De Ketelaere and into the path of Vanaken.
The early substitute cannot believe his luck as he sneaks the ball into the empty net from about 25 yards, Ream’s bumbling attempt to block the only hurdle in his way.
GOAL! USA 1-3 Belgium (Vanaken 57)
02:21 , Alan Smith
It’s a shambles from the hosts’ goalkeeper.
USA 1-2 Belgium
02:17 , Alan Smith
53’ - Pulisic kicks Tielemans’ heel and wants a free kick. No chance. “Ref you suck” chant the home fans. Ok...
On a brighter note for the hosts, they are getting a greater hold of the game.
USA 1-2 Belgium
02:15 , Alan Smith
51’ - Ream gets across to intercept a Lukebakio cross. Tielemans’ corner is headed away.
USA 1-2 Belgium
02:13 , Alan Smith
49’ - Richards tries to meet a loose ball about 40 yards from goal and, inexplicably, sends it out for a goal kick.
USA 1-2 Belgium
02:12 , Alan Smith
48’ - The USA shape remains the same for now following that change.
Restarted! USA 0-1 Belgium
02:09 , Alan Smith
And we are back underway in Seattle.
USA change
02:09 , Alan Smith
The players are on their way back out and the US will be making one change with Reyna ready to come on for Dest.
Half-time! USA 1-2 Belgium
01:52 , Alan Smith
51’ - Dest feeds Balogun and he races clear, shooting diagonally only for Ngoy to make a smart block. Pulisic sends the corner straight into Courtois’ hands.
And that is the interval.
USA 1-2 Belgium
01:49 , Alan Smith
48’ - Trossard wins a corner off Freeman. It’s taken short and ends with Lukebakio dragging a shot wide.
USA 1-2 Belgium
01:46 , Alan Smith
45’ - A long throw causes brief havoc in the Belgian box as Balogun’s poke towards goal goes over. The referee initially signals for a corner but it is overturned for a goal kick.
There will be six added minutes.
USA 1-2 Belgium
01:43 , Alan Smith
42’ - Richards fouls Vanaken. More boos but it’s the right call.
De Cuyper swings the free kick in from the left and Lukebakio should really do much better than heading harmlessly wide having met it in space.
USA 1-2 Belgium
01:42 , Alan Smith
41’ - Belgium remain dominant - their only blemish an unfortunately deflected free kick concession - and not many will have seen it coming considering how tepid they had been until this stage.
USA 1-2 Belgium
01:39 , Alan Smith
39’ - Richards cuts out a corner. Tielemans takes it low, it gets a touch through a cluster of bodies near the front post and almost creeps in before Freese gets down to save.
USA 1-2 Belgium
01:35 , Alan Smith
34’ - McKennie is booked for a frustrated slide in on Raskin. Very much deserved too.
GOAL! USA 1-2 Belgium (De Ketelaere 33)
01:34 , Alan Smith
But Belgium are back in front less than two minutes on! Trossard shimmies on the left and sends a nice cross in. De Ketelaere is too strong and tall for Ream, directing his header past Freese.
GOAL! USA 1-1 Belgium (Tillman 31)
01:32 , Alan Smith
And Tillman’s free takes a big deflection off Vanaken’s head and diverts into the opposite corner to where Courtois was already diving. That’s a stroke of luck.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:30 , Alan Smith
30’ - Balogun’s first meaningful act is to go down easy following a naive challenge by Mechele. It’s a free kick in a dangerous area, about 25 yards out.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:29 , Alan Smith
28’ - Belgium play keepball. They are enjoying this though, again, we must caution that with so far.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:27 , Alan Smith
26’ - Back underway. The US will hope the reset sorts them out.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:24 , Alan Smith
23’ - Dest fouls De Cuyper, dragging him to the floor. More jeers as the free kick is awarded.
And that’s time for the commercial break.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:23 , Alan Smith
22’ - Richards, who is so far having a shocker, almost gifts the ball to De Ketelare in the box when one on one. The American gets lucky and clears. They are shirking to the occasion so far.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:21 , Alan Smith
21’ - Vanaken is on for Onana, who looks understandably upset as he sits on the bench.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:20 , Alan Smith
19’ - Belgium are momentarily down to 10 but we play on. They lead eight shots to nil right now but realistically will not dominate to this extent for the duration.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:18 , Alan Smith
17’ - Onana is down and looks in bit of distress with a right knee injury. He stretched for a duel with Pulisic and landed awkwardly.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:14 , Alan Smith
14’ - Belgium are toying with the USA here. De Ketelare produces some lollipops before seeking out Tielemans in the box again. Soon after Trossard follows up with a strike that is well over.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:13 , Alan Smith
13’ - Richards takes a ball to the face accidentally and needs a moment to compose himself, prompting a brief delay to the action.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:12 , Alan Smith
11’ - Adams smashes into De Ketelaere and is fortunate not to be booked.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:11 , Alan Smith
10’ - It’s a terrible goal to concede. Freeman cannot head the ball away, allowing Raskin to take possession after no home player rushes to meet the loose clearance. Raskin then sends a firm ball across the face of goal and De Ketelare finishes.
GOAL! USA 0-1 Belgium (De Ketelaere 9)
01:10 , Alan Smith
But Charles De Ketelaere is not making a mistake! He taps in from close range and Belgium are deservedly in front.
USA 0-0 Belgium
01:08 , Alan Smith
8’ - Glorious opportunity for Tielemans! Lukebakio powers down the right and finds the midfielder with a low cross. Tielemans has to finish but he swipes at the ball and cannot even direct it on target. What a waste.
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