Belgium trolls USA with brutal two-word post

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World Cup daily news. We will bring you the latest from around the world as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ finally gets under way (All times AEST).

OVERTURN THIS

The Belgium social media team trolled the USA with a post not longer after the final whistle.

Clearly a reference to Folarin Balogun's overturned red card.

Good trolling.

BELGIUM PROGRESS

And Romelu Lukaku puts the result beyond doubt!

The veteran striker slots in Belgium's fourth goal with a calm finish beyond the reach of Matt Freese.

The American fans have gone quiet in Seattle, knowing their tournament has come to an unfortunate end.

All three co-hosts made it to the Round of 16, but none were able to make the final eight.

The Red Devils now meet Spain in Los Angeles.

BELGIUM HAVE SCORED AGAIN!

Just when you thought the USA had found their feet, Belgium have extended their lead. USA's improved form has vanished in a split second.

An absolute howler form the goalkeeper and the defenders. What was Freese doing???

He's way out of the area, his foot drags as he delays trying to clear the ball and it's an absolute gift for Belgium.

That will haunt Matt Freese for a long time.

"You don't wish a moment like that on a goalkeeper at any time, let alone when the world is watching."

Second half underway

USA have come out with a bit more spice about them after the break. I imagine Pochettino didn't hold back in his half-time briefing.

Christian Pulisic needs to lift this half. The only change for either side is the USA have brought in Gio Reyna for Sergino Dest.

A quarter-final against Spain beckons for one of these sides.

USA ARE LEVEL!

Hell of a goal from a very dangerous free-kick. Belgium have dominated this game but one chance has America right back in things.

On replays, it's a deflection off the Belgium defence that's sent the ball on a trajectory, nothing the keeper could have done. Goal goes to Malik Tillman.

HOLD ON BELGIUM SCORE AGAIN!

They're back in the lead 116 seconds after the USA celebrations. What a way to silence the 70k strong crowd. it's another terrific cross into the area and insanity in Seattle as we see two goals inside as many minutes and it's a second for Ketelaere.

Pochettino is furious on the sidelines, kicking bottles over in frustration. Maybe they spent too long celebrating?

BELGIUM SCORE!

They have been threatening so much from the start and it's sloppy defence from the USA.

Can't review that one!

Tap in in the box from Charles De Ketelaere. A brilliant start from the Europeans.

INFANTINO BREAKS SILENCE

Of the 11 red cards issued in this tournament they have all been held up barring Folarin Balogun's.

The response has been wild. But Gianni Infantino insists FIFA has maintained their credibility.

“I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA’s governance," he said in a statement.

“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.

“Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues.

“During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.

“I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree."

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter added his voice to the growing concerns saying politics and sport should never blur.

"Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls," Blatter wrote on X. "They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies. If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President — and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match — the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA?

"Football must never become a playground for political power."

Players past and present have also added their voices to the saga.

"It's a scandal and it's outrageous what has happened," Kevin Prince Boateng said on SBS. "How can I trust in a future tournament?

"Donald Trump should take care of his country and stay out of our game. Stay out of the sport. This is a foul.

"We are opening doors that should not be opened."

"I HATE IT"

SEN's Adam Peacock and Archie Thompson have taken aim FIFA for the u-turn on the Balogun red card as the political gesture sparks global outrage.

Just hours out from the USA's last 16 showdown with Belgium, both SEN's football experts have voiced their dismay with the decision.

"The red card that has been taken away from Balogun; it was a disgrace," Thompson said. "I don’t even know how the player would feel about it and how it’s been rescinded and he has to come out now and there will be eyes on him and if he scores.

"Its an unbelievable decision and it’s left such a bitter taste. This World Cup has been excellent and now one silly moment, hopefully we’re talking about it too much."

Balogun was shown a red card in his side's clash with Bosnia last week and the decision to suspend his ban has prompted outrage with France and England now said to be weighing up appeals on two of their players that have been shown red or yellow cards.

Jarell Quansah was dismissed after a VAR review during England insane clash with Mexico, which peacock insists was a lesser challenge than the one for which Balogun has been let off.

"I hate it," Peacock said on SEN. "It’s an uneasy feeling. The England red card was less clumsy than Balogun, but the protocol was followed by VAR.

"The largest – it’s not a can of worms that’s been opened it’s a vat. Now what? Every time you don’t like a decision you appeal it?

"Trump is involved, he’s made a call, he says he didn’t demand Infantino change it, but Gianni is not the dumbest bloke, he’s copped the tip. It sits uneasy."

Roberto Martinez slammed as he quits role

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has confirmed he will leave his role with immediate effect after the side's World Cup campaign came to an end.

Portugal were beaten by Spain in the last 16 with a 91st minute goal sealing the deal for their Iberian neighbours.

Martinez has copped significant heat this tournament for his selections and strategy, particularly around Cristiano Ronaldo.

Many voices in the media have suggested Martinez was "too scared" to substitute the 41 year-old who has also confirmed this was his last World Cup.

After the Spain defeat, Sky Sports and BBC football journalist, Chris Sutton slammed the Portugal coach.

"Roberto Martinez is an embarrassment," Sutton wrote on X. "Gonçalo Ramos stays on the bench. Ronaldo does what he wants… again! Portugal were a freak show… a circus. Martinez so weak."

In his post match press conference, Martinez confirmed this was the end of the line.

"My contract ends today," he said. "It's the end of a cycle. It's important to have a new voice. I gave my entire life (to the job).

"I came to Portugal with the objective of winning the World Cup. Because I have not won it, it would not have made sense to continue."

COULD AMERICA BE KICKED OUT?

FIFA has rejected Belgium's appeal to overturn Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card bring suspended amid fears the European side made bid to have the co-hosts kicked out of the World Cup.

The decision to allow the USA star to play in today's knock-our clash has left governing bodies around the world stunned and horrified by the “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision”.

Belgium have now said they are open to "all other actions".

This may include an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if the USA fields an "ineligible player" and could see any result from this morning's clash reversed.

With Donald Trump thanking FIFA for their action, the optics are that FIFA has bowed to political pressure.

Their decision to suspend the mandatory one match ban was slammed by UEFA: “Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line.

“Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition.

“Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted.

“It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension.

“When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined.

“Equally, such decision creates a precedent in the ongoing tournament, where similar situations will now require an equal treatment, to the detriment of the competition."

According to reports out of Europe, Belgium is yet to be given any explanation about FIFA's decision while the governing body has told the team they have no grounds to appeal because they were not part of the original decision.

“To date, the Royal Belgian FA has still not received any grounds for this decision, nor has it received the information it has been requesting since the start of this procedure," a statement said.

“Fifa has yet to provide us with a copy of the decision and the motivation declaring the player eligible as well as the referee’s report – this is a breach of Fifa regulations.

“The RBFA has informed the United States Soccer Federation that it contests the eligibility of the player, should the player be listed on the referee’s team sheet. This leaves all further actions open.

“The RBFA has informed the United States Soccer Federation that it contests the eligibility of the player, should the player be listed on the referee’s team sheet.

“This leaves all further actions open.”

SPAIN SCORE LATE, PORTUGAL GO HOME

At the death, it's the 91st minute and this could be the late heartbreak Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were dreading.

This game looked dead set for extra time! It's pretty much the first chance of significance this match and it's Mikel Merino with the goal.

Portugal can't find anything before the final whistle and that is the end of the road for Ronaldo and his team.

After six World Cups, the 41 year-old's international career, if not over immediately, this is the final time we will see him on the field at this particular tournament.

The only player in history to score at six World Cups. Love him or not, you can't deny his legacy.

He follows Neymar and Luka Modric as some of the biggest names to be calling time after this Cup.

KNOCK-ON EFFECT

Now that Trump got Balogun a suspended ban, France and England are reportedly mulling over appealing two of their players that face bans.

Amid a right-back crisis in the England camp, UK media claims they will look to have Jarell Quansah's red card against Mexico suspended or overturned.

France meanwhile will be looking to have Michael Olise's yellow card voided after replays showed he made no contact with a Paraguay player's face.

In the words of England's coach Thomas Tuchel "where does this end".

What a farce.

SPAIN-PORTUGAL

Goalless at the 66 minute mark and somewhat pedestrian if you ask me. Few chances being created but nobody is getting on the end of them.

A blow for Portugal this second term however with Nuno Mendes subbed off with what looked a nasty injury.

Not sure my nervous system has what it takes for penalties today!

TRUMP SPEAKS OUT

Not that tis will hose the situation down, but Donald Trump has come out and said the red card u-turn was all because of him.

“I’m the one that got them to do it,” Trump said. “I saw the play, and I’m a person that loves sports. That wasn’t a foul.

“That wasn’t even an infraction… this referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his past. He made a call that nobody could believe… he’s our best player, or one of our best players. And he gave him a red card.

“I didn’t know what the hell a red card was. When I found out, I said: ‘You gotta be kidding!’

“Yes, I asked for a review by Fifa.”