Belgium players mocked US President Donald Trump with a dance celebration after knocking co-hosts USA out of the World Cup with a 4-1 victory in the last 16. The match was overshadowed by Trump's intervention to suspend a red card for US striker Florian Balogun, prompting Belgium's official X account to post 'Overturn this' after the win.
Trump's Intervention Sparks Controversy
Build-up to the clash was dominated by the decision to suspend Balogun's automatic one-match ban for his dismissal against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA announced the suspension on Sunday, with Belgium's appeal against the decision rejected. Trump then stated he had asked for the dismissal to be reviewed, adding that he would have considered the match 'rigged' if Balogun had not played. FIFA has strict rules against political interference, having suspended the Nepalese federation for similar reasons just last month.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino issued a statement on Monday evening saying the decision was made by the independent disciplinary committee, but Trump earlier revealed he had lobbied Infantino. UEFA released an extraordinary statement on Monday morning, claiming FIFA's decision had 'crossed a red line'.
Belgium Dominates on the Pitch
On the field, Belgium took control early. Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute, capitalising on poor defending to tap in from close range. The hosts equalised at the half-hour mark through a deflected Malik Tillman free kick that wrong-footed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. However, Belgium restored their lead minutes later when De Ketelaere headed in a cross from six yards for his second goal.
In the 57th minute, Belgium extended their lead after a costly error by US goalkeeper Matt Freese, who came off his line but failed to clear, allowing Hans Vanaken to score. Romelu Lukaku added a fourth in added time to seal the win and send Belgium to a quarter-final against Spain.
Mocking Celebration and 'Overturn This' Taunt
During Lukaku's goal celebration, Belgium players performed the so-called 'Trump dance'—side-to-side hip sways and alternating fist pumps often seen at Trump's rallies to the disco hit YMCA. The Belgium national team's official X account posted 'Overturn this' after the match, a clear jibe at Trump and FIFA's controversial decision. Balogun later visited the Belgium dressing room to congratulate the team, telling FIFA.com: 'I just wanted to say congratulations to Belgium and Rudi Garcia, and wish them good luck for the rest of the tournament.'
