Belgium Women Crush USA 4-1 After Balogun Red Card Fallout

Balogun’s Controversial Overturned Red Card

Folarin Balogun, the United States’ leading scorer, received a red card during the Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The incident involved Balogun challenging for the ball and inadvertently stepping on an opponent’s ankle, drawing no immediate foul call. Video Assistant Review (VAR) later upgraded the play to a sending‑off, which should have kept him sidelined for the next match.

FIFA surprised many by rescinding the red card just days before the clash with Belgium, allowing Balogun to line up against the Europeans. The decision broke long‑standing precedent and sparked a fierce reaction from the Belgian side, which had prepared its squad expecting the American striker to miss the game. Belgium filed an appeal, but the governing body upheld the reversal.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he had contacted FIFA to discuss the case, saying the original penalty was unfair. FIFA president Gianni Infantino acknowledged the call but insisted the overturn was made without external influence. The controversy set the tone for the subsequent showdown between the two nations.

Belgium’s Taunt and Crushing Victory Over USA

Belgium entered Monday night’s match having dominated from the opening minute and never looked back, securing a 4‑1 win. The Belgian national team’s official X account posted a celebratory image with the caption “Overturn this,” a clear jab at FIFA and the United States. The post amplified the drama surrounding Balogun’s red‑card reversal.

With the game well in hand, Belgian players performed a choreographed dance in the 90th minute that mimicked a move often seen at Trump’s campaign rallies. The gesture added a bitter edge to an already lopsided scoreline and drew extra attention from fans and media alike. The celebration underscored Belgium’s frustration with the earlier interference in Balogun’s case.

Belgium advanced to the quarter‑finals, where they will face Spain on Friday. The United States were eliminated, ending their World Cup run after a disappointing defeat. Balogun, despite the earlier saga, managed to appear in the match but could not prevent Belgium from sealing the emphatic victory.