The United States' World Cup campaign came to a bitter end in the round of 16, losing 4-1 to Belgium in a match overshadowed by FIFA's controversial decision to overturn a one-game ban on US forward Folarin Balogun.

Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute, Hans Vanaken capitalized on a goalkeeping error, and Romelu Lukaku added a fourth. After his goal, Lukaku and teammates performed a dance strikingly similar to US President Donald Trump's signature move, sparking widespread mockery on social media.

Balogun, named in the starting lineup after FIFA suspended his ban, was largely anonymous and was substituted in the 92nd minute. His inclusion was allegedly influenced by Trump's personal intervention, drawing criticism from the president's niece, Mary Lea Trump.

The Belgian team posted a cheeky message "Overturn this" on social media after the match. Fans and players criticized FIFA's decision as unjust, with Belgium captain Youri Tielemans admitting it motivated the team.

Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin said, "There is always justice somewhere in life," while coach Rudi Garcia downplayed the controversy, focusing on the game plan.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended the match, had previously dismissed concerns, saying, "We don't control everything. Maybe it's good to just chill, relax." His comments were met with criticism.

Belgium will face Spain in Los Angeles for a place in the semifinals.

Source: www.aljazeera.com