Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in Seattle to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Atalanta attacker Charles de Catelaar scored two goals for Belgium, while Hans Vanaken scored the third after an error by U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese.
Romelu Lukaku added a fourth in stoppage time after another mistake in the US defence.
German-born Malik Tillman scored a temporary equalizer for the United States in the 31st minute.
The loss signals the end of the US’s World Cup campaign, marking the final host nation exit.
Belgium will face Spain on Friday, July 10 in Los Angeles.
FIFA’s decision created an uproar
The game was overshadowed by FIFA’s decision to overturn the red card given to American striker Folarin Balogun, who was included in the US starting XI for the game without making any impact.
US President Donald Trump admitted to speaking to FIFA president Gianni Infantino about Balogun’s red card, which could have led to a ban from the last 16 game against Belgium, with world football’s governing body later announcing the red card would be suspended for one year.
Political influence on national football associations is prohibited according to FIFA, with several associations sanctioned by world football’s governing body over the years.
Infantino, Trump defend decision
Infantino claimed that the decision was made by FIFA’s disciplinary committee and that Trump’s phone call had no influence on it.
“During our conversation I explained that a legal process is ongoing,” Infantino said in a statement. He said that FIFA’s judicial institutions are independent.
“That’s how FIFA’s system works and that’s a principle I will always follow,” he said.
Trump also said he had only asked to review the red card.
The Belgian Football Association appealed against the decision before the game, but FIFA rejected its appeal.
FIFA’s decision was widely criticized across world football, including from European football’s governing body UEFA and many national federations and high-profile figures in the sport.
Edited by: Wesley Dockery
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