The United States were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in Seattle, bringing an end to the controversy sparked by President Donald Trump's direct intervention to overturn a red card ban for striker Folarin Balogun. Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals while the last remaining host nation was sent packing.
Trump's intervention backfires as Belgium thrash USA
Belgium dominated the match, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also found the net. Malik Tillman scored a free kick for the USA, but it was not enough to prevent a comprehensive defeat. The result rendered Trump's controversial phone call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino moot, as Balogun's presence failed to alter the outcome.
USA manager Mauricio Pochettino lost his temper on the touchline, smashing a box of Powerade water bottles after De Ketelaere's second goal. Roy Keane, speaking on ITV, expressed disbelief at Trump's explanation for calling Infantino, asking Gary Neville, "Is this real?"
After the win, several Belgium players mocked the political saga by performing 'the Trump dance' in celebration, a gesture that highlighted the absurdity of the episode. FIFA defended referee Raphael Claus, whom Trump had labelled "suspect" after Balogun's initial red card was overturned.
Ronaldo's World Cup ends in tears as Martinez resigns
Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance ended in tears as Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the Round of 16, courtesy of a last-minute winner from Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez resigned after the defeat, ending a three-and-a-half-year stint that failed to deliver World Cup glory.
Ronaldo, 41, who has scored at a record six World Cups, said he would take time to decide his international future. BBC pundit Chris Sutton criticised Ronaldo's performance, saying he "waddled around the field like a grandad" and that Portugal were eliminated because of Martinez's decision to pander to the star. Martinez praised Ronaldo's example and dedication.
England players prank Tuchel with fake injury
After England's 3-2 win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, John Stones and Declan Rice pranked manager Thomas Tuchel by faking an injury. Stones clutched his arm and called for medical attention, only to burst into a dance as a concerned Tuchel realised he had been duped.
Macron backs Mbappe after racist attack
French President Emmanuel Macron publicly supported Kylian Mbappe after the striker was subjected to racist abuse by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla. Following France's 1-0 win over Paraguay, Amarilla posted a tirade on X describing Mbappe as a "colonised Cameroonian" and calling for Paraguay's players to slap him. Mbappe responded by calling her "despicable" and said he would not allow her to spread hatred. The French Football Federation plans to file criminal charges.
