World Cup in photos: Balogun controversy looms over U.S.-Belgium match, Ronaldo bows out

The U.S. heads into its Round-of-16 World Cup match against Belgium with focus on Folarin Balogun after FIFA suspended his one-match red-card ban.

BigThink BigThink
Jul 7, 2026 - 07:17
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World Cup in photos: Balogun controversy looms over U.S.-Belgium match, Ronaldo bows out

The U.S. headed into its Round-of-16 World Cup match against Belgium dealing with controversy after FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's one-match red-card ban, paving the way for the team's leading scorer to play.

Balogun was initially sent off for foul play during the United States' 2-0 Round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA overturned the decision. Belgium challenged that, but FIFA dismissed the protest as inadmissible while UEFA criticized the ruling as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable."

The ruling has drawn added attention after President Donald Trump defended urging FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's red card, fueling questions over whether political pressure played a role in the decision.

Separately, Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of lifting the World Cup came to an end after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain, as Mikel Merino struck late to send his country into the quarterfinals.

U.S. vs Belgium

United States of America forward Folarin Balogun during warm ups before the World Cup round of 16 knock out match between United States and Belgium at Lumen Field on Monday, July 6, 2026 in Seattle, WA.

Robert Gauthier | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images

Timothy Castagne #21, Brandon Mechele #4 and players of Belgium walk out the tunnel before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match.

Maja Hitij - Fifa | Fifa | Getty Images

United States fans hold a sign in the stands before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium.

Carl Recine | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images

Referee Raphael Claus shows Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic #4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.

Charlotte Wilson | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images

Portugal vs Spain

Mikel Merino #6 of Spain celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.

Alex Slitz | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after the goal scored by Mikel Merino of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium.

Europa Press Sports | Europa Press | Getty Images