Belgium celebrated their emphatic 4-1 victory over tournament co-hosts the United States with a pointed message, as several players mimicked President Donald Trump’s trademark dance following their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 triumph.
The European side produced a ruthless display to eliminate the hosts and book their place in the quarter-finals, capping the performance with celebrations widely interpreted as a response to the controversy surrounding the eligibility of United States striker Folarin Balogun.
The build-up to the match had been overshadowed by FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s automatic one-match ban less than 24 hours before kick-off. The striker had been sent off during the group-stage victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a challenge on Tarik Muharemović and was initially expected to miss the knockout tie.
However, FIFA’s decision to defer the suspension followed an appeal reportedly backed by President Donald Trump, who said he had asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the incident because he did not believe the challenge warranted a red card.
The ruling sparked widespread criticism, with Belgium expressing their frustration before the match and insisting they would channel their anger into their performance.
“We told ourselves we had to respond on the pitch,” Belgium captain Youri Tielemans said after the victory. “That’s exactly what we did.”
Midfielder Nicolas Raskin admitted the controversy had strengthened the team’s resolve.
“A lot has happened off the pitch over the last two days,” Raskin said. “There was a sense of injustice within the squad, and we were determined to answer it on the pitch.”
Belgium did precisely that, producing one of the most dominant displays of the tournament. They raced into a commanding lead before the United States managed only a late consolation goal in stoppage time.
After Romelu Lukaku scored Belgium’s fourth goal, several players celebrated by recreating Trump’s distinctive dance moves—an apparent swipe at the controversy that had dominated the pre-match headlines.
The Belgian national team’s official Instagram account added to the mockery by posting a photograph of Lukaku cupping his ear alongside the caption: “Overturn this.”
Balogun, restored to the starting line-up following FIFA’s decision, struggled to influence the contest and endured a frustrating evening as Belgium’s defence kept him quiet.
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia revealed the American forward approached him after the final whistle.
“He came to speak to me after the match,” Garcia said. “I appreciated that. It is not his fault and he is not the one to blame. That’s exactly what I told him.”
Garcia insisted his players had refused to let the controversy distract them from their objective.
“Whatever team the United States selected, what mattered most was our own game plan,” he said. “This group is very mature. I told them that the only thing we could control was our own performance.”
Trump defended his involvement before the match, insisting FIFA had reached the correct decision after reviewing the incident. The US President said he had merely requested a reassessment rather than attempting to influence the governing body’s disciplinary process.
The decision nevertheless drew criticism from several quarters, including UEFA and England manager Thomas Tuchel, who questioned the precedent created by overturning an automatic suspension during the tournament.
Belgium’s convincing victory ultimately ensured that the debate over Balogun’s availability had little impact on the outcome. Instead, the Red Devils marched into the quarter-finals with an emphatic statement, where they will face Spain national football team, while the United States bowed out of their home World Cup in disappointing fashion.