Belgium celebrated its emphatic 4-1 victory over the United States at the FIFA World Cup with a pointed on-field gesture aimed at both the U.S. men’s national team and President Donald Trump.
The Round of 16 clash at Seattle’s Lumen Field was surrounded by controversy even before kickoff after U.S. striker Folarin Balogun was cleared to play despite initially receiving a one-match suspension following a red card in the previous round.
FIFA overturned Balogun’s suspension after reviewing the incident, a decision that came after President Trump publicly acknowledged speaking with FIFA President Gianni Infantino about the case. Trump said he requested a review, arguing Balogun’s challenge did not warrant a suspension.
Belgium reportedly appealed FIFA’s decision, but Balogun remained eligible and started the match for the United States. However, the striker was unable to prevent a dominant Belgian performance.
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, while substitutes Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added second-half goals to seal a comprehensive 4-1 victory and send Belgium into the quarter-finals.
Following Lukaku’s stoppage-time goal, Belgian players celebrated by mimicking the dance move frequently associated with Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, an apparent jab at the U.S. president after his public involvement in Balogun’s disciplinary case.
The defeat ended the United States’ World Cup campaign, while Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals with a commanding performance that extended beyond the scoreline into post-match celebrations.
