Moments after knocking co-host USA out of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Red Devils took a cheeky swipe at the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s overturned suspension, posting a simple but cutting message on social media: “Overturn this.”
The post, accompanied by images of Belgium’s jubilant celebrations after their 4-1 Round of 16 victory, quickly grabbed attention online and was widely interpreted as a dig at the decision that allowed Balogun to feature in the knockout clash.
Overturn this. 🧏♂️ #USABEL pic.twitter.com/KcBAJp3Z7d
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 7, 2026
The controversy began before the match when FIFA suspended the one-match ban handed to Balogun following his red card for a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the Round of 32.
Also Read: UEFA says FIFA ‘crossed a red line’ over Balogun ban suspension after Trump’s intervention
The decision sparked outrage in Belgium. The Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished” by the ruling, while UEFA criticised the move, saying it had “crossed a red line” and could have damaging consequences for the integrity of the game. Reports also claimed that US President Donald Trump had personally lobbied for Balogun’s suspension to be overturned.
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans admitted the episode became extra motivation for the squad.
“Let’s be honest: we held a meeting when we heard the news. We told ourselves we needed to do our talking on the pitch. That’s what we did today. I’m very proud of the team,” Tielemans said after the match.
And Belgium certainly delivered.
Charles De Ketelaere struck twice in the first half before Hans Vanaken and substitute Romelu Lukaku completed an emphatic 4-1 victory that ended the USA’s World Cup campaign. The defeat also saw the United States become the last remaining co-host to exit the tournament after Canada and Mexico had already been eliminated in the Round of 16.
Belgium’s social media post ensured the final whistle wasn’t the last word in the saga.
The Red Devils will next face Spain, who edged Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal 1-0 after extra time, in a blockbuster quarter-final at Los Angeles Stadium on July 11.