2026 World Cup: ‘Sense of Injustice’ – Belgium Says Trump Moves Kicked Them Out

Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin said his side felt an “injustice” in the one-match suspension of USA striker Folarin Balogui, who was banned by FIFA just before the start of their World Cup last 16 match.

The 25-year-old Balogi appeared certain to miss the game in Seattle after receiving a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round.

But on Sunday, FIFA imposed a one-match ban for 12 months, sparking widespread criticism, with UEFA, Belgium and England boss Thomas Tuchel among those speaking out against the decision.

Monday, the president of the United States, Donald Trump asked FIFA To evaluate the suspension of Baloghi, who said that it had left a “big stain” on the competition.

But the American star striker to play and start the game Belgium beat co-hosts 4-1.

“A lot has happened off the field in the last two days,” said Raskin, the Belgium and Rangers midfielder.

“There was a feeling of injustice in the team, and we were determined to respond on the field.”

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans said the incident had boosted his side.

“We told ourselves we had to respond on the field, and that’s what we did,” he said.

After Belgium scored their fourth goal, several of their players were seen doing a ‘Trump dance’ made famous by the 2024 US presidential campaign.

The Belgian national team’s official Instagram account also appeared to mock the defeat by posting a picture of striker Romelu Lukaku straining his ears with the caption “Flip this”.