World Cup 2026 live updates: US eliminated from World Cup after losing to Belgium, 4-1, in Round 16

SEATTLE (AP) - Folarin Balogun's presence on the field for the United States against Belgium had a seismic impact on the world of soccer, but he ultimately played a forgettable role in the Americans' 4-1 loss in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday.

The 25-year-old striker, who had three goals in this World Cup, was shown a red card during the U.S. victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA lifted his suspension for Monday's match after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened on Balogun's behalf.

FIFA's decision prompted soccer leaders to question the integrity of the World Cup, with European soccer body UEFA saying FIFA "crossed a red line" and Belgium's soccer federation contesting Balogun's eligibility.

Balogun did not score on Monday. He helped set up Malik Tillman's goal in the 31st minute when he was fouled by Belgium defender Brandon Mechele roughly 25 yards outside the Red Devils' goal.

Tillman scored on the ensuing free kick. Just before the goal, Balogun waved his arms and pumped up the American fans.

The U.S. tried to set up Balogun multiple times. He made use of his speed on several runs but could not get past Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. His best chance came in the 82nd minute, when Courtois got in front of a left-footed attempt. Balogun was replaced by Haji Wright in the 92nd minute.

Last Wednesday during the Americans' 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Balogun was shown a red card by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent's ankle, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.

After Trump spoke by phone to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for a year on Sunday.

Balogun finished the tournament with three goals, matching Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup. Bert Patenaude holds the U.S. record with four in the initial tournament in 1930.

Balogun, who was playing in his first World Cup for the Americans, became the first U.S. player to score two goals in a match in the tournament since 1930. But he failed to lead the U.S. to what would have been its first consecutive knockout-stage wins. The best performance by the Americans since 1930 remains their run to the quarterfinals in 2002.

There could be a whole lot of shakin' going on for the U.S. team's biggest World Cup game in its history.

Seattle has already proven to be one of the NFL's loudest stadiums and the place was literally shaking for the Americans' 2-0 win over Australia in group play.

A "Monday Night Futbol" match between the U.S. and Belgium, with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line, will move the needle for one nation - and potentially on the Richter scale.

And there's already been one shock wave: American forward Folarin Balogun will play after FIFA surprisingly lifted his one-game suspension for a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

"(Seattle) fans are going to bring it, no matter what," U.S. captain Christian Pulisic said. "I think that's what they've shown this trip, this tournament so far. I'm sure when (Balogun) walks out, they're going to give that much more of a roar."

Spain will face Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday in what would otherwise be the marquee game of the day.

The Americans' bid to reach the quarterfinals and Balogun's reinstatement knocked that game onto the undercard.

Balogun received an automatic one-game suspension when he was issued a red card for stepping awkwardly on the foot of Tarik Muharemovi in a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday.

Balogun leads the U.S. with three goals, matching Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second most by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude's four in the initial tournament in 1930.

FIFA's red card reversal - after a call from President Donald Trump - left the Royal Belgian Football Association "astonished" while giving the Americans a huge boost as they chase history.

The Americans opened the World Cup with a rousing 4-1 win over Paraguay and fans in Seattle had the seismographs jumping in the win over the Socceroos. The U.S. advanced to the round of 16 by beating Bosnia-Herzegovina despite playing the final 30 minutes with 10 men due to Balogun's red card.

Now the U.S. has a chance to win two knockout games in a World Cup for the first time and reach quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

Belgium blew out the U.S. 5-2 in a warmup match in March, but the Americans are on a roll.

"If you play against 80,000 supporters or with 80,000, you have to try to do the same," Belgium's Maxim De Cuyper said. "And I think that's what we're going to try (to do)."

Jude Bellingham scored two goals 98 seconds apart, Harry Kane converted a penalty when England was down to 10 men, and the Three Lions handed Mexico its first World Cup loss at Estadio Azteca, a wild 3-2 victory on Sunday night to reach the quarterfinals.

England moves on to face Norway on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida, for a spot in the semifinals.

Full story here.

Neymar said he is retiring from playing for Brazil after his team's World Cup exit at the hands of Norway in the round of 16 on Sunday.

The 34-year-old scored a late consolation goal via a penalty as Brazil lost 2-1 to two Erling Haaland goals to mark their earliest World Cup exit since 1990.

An emotional Neymar slumped to the ground in tears following the final whistle at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey before being consoled by teammates.

"I tried, I tried. Now it's over," he told Globo. "I started here, I finished here."

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