Belgium vs USA has an extra dimension tonight, beyond it pitting one of Europe’s strongest sides against one of the World Cup co-hosts.
After US president Donald Trump called Fifa boss Gianni Infantino and managed to have Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban suspended, the USA striker is set to feature in Seattle.
And he could be crucial here, having scored three goals in three games, including in USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina in the last 32. For all the criticism of the decision to send Balogun off in that game, there has been even greater outrage at Fifa’s move to delay his ban by a year.
That is the backdrop as Belgium aim to live up to their status as one of the most-talented outfits in the tournament – a status they have not underlined with their results so far, including in the last 32, when they needed a miraculous comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 at the death.
Follow all the action from the World Cup last-16 game below:
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USA v Belgium LIVE
- Belgium play co-hosts USA in Seattle, in last 16 of World Cup | Kick-off 1am BST, live on BBC One
- Folarin Balogun set to play for USA after Fifa stunningly delayed his red-card ban by a year
- President Trump called Fifa boss Gianni Infantino for help on red-card issue
- Balogun was controversially sent off in 2-0 last-32 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Belgium needed last-gasp comeback to see off Senegal 3-2 in last round
- Trump finally arrives at World Cup – but Balogun decision shows Fifa hasn’t learned its lesson
Uefa says Fifa 'crossed a red line' with Balogun red card U-turn
20:00 , Jack RathbornUefa lashed out on Monday at Fifa’s decision to suspend U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup red-card ban
"We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," UEFA said on Monday, adding that "Yesterday's decision ... crossed a red line". "When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined."
Pochettino claims red card was 'completely unfair' and welcomes suspended ban for Balogun
19:45 , Jack RathbornUnited States coach Mauricio Pochettino said on Sunday that he welcomed FIFA's decision to suspend striker Folarin Balogun's red card ban ahead of the team's World Cup last-16 match with Belgium on Monday in Seattle.
"I think everyone who really looked at the sport and trusts in ethics and integrity should celebrate that decision," Pochettino `told reporters. "We were punished enough against Bosnia and Herzegovina, playing with 10 men for 35 minutes after a decision that was completely unfair."
Belgium on 2014 World Cup rematch against USA
19:30 , Jack Rathborn“I think they can produce a lot of talent and become a world force,” Thibaut Courtois said. “They’re already a great team together, they play well. So I think that’s a good evolution, and they’re showing it this World Cup. Hopefully it comes to an end (Monday) and that we can win, but we’re expecting a tough game.”
Axel Witsel added: “I think technically they are better. Physically, and also the intensity they can put during the game. And of course, the way they coach.”
What is FIFA’s Article 27 that allows Balogun to play after red card?
19:15 , Jack Rathborn- Article 27 allows FIFA to suspend the implementation of a disciplinary sanction.
- The sanction itself remains in force but does not have to be served immediately unless the suspension is later revoked.
- The article allows FIFA's judicial bodies to suspend the implementation of all or part of a disciplinary sanction.
USA v Belgium: USMNT train before World Cup last 16 clash
19:00 , Jack Rathborn
Belgium ‘astonished’ by Fifa’s decision to wipe Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban
18:45 , Jack RathbornRudi Garcia was left furious at Folarin Balogun’s ban being rescinded: “I didn’t know that at the World Cup the 5th of July is actually the first of April. It’s April Fools. I think it’s necessary to refer to our statement. A lot of what I feel is there.”
A statement from The Royal Belgian Football Association added: “The RBFA is astonished by Fifa’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.m. (Seattle time),”
USA v Belgium: Red Devils train before World Cup last 16 clash
18:32 , Jack Rathborn
Trump labels Balogun red card decision 'horrible'
18:24 , Jack Rathborn“All I did was ask for a review,” Trump said when asked about it during an unrelated Oval Office event. “I didn’t say, ‘You have to do this.’”
ITrump labelled the referee's call as “horrible”.
“I didn’t think it was a foul,” he added. “I thought it was two great athletes that crashed into each other and got entangled.”
USA v Belgium predicted line-ups
18:17 , Jack RathbornUSA XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Tillman, Adams, McKennie; Dest, Balogun, Pulisic
Belgium XI: Courtois; Castagne, Theate, Mechele, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere
USA v Belgium team news
18:11 , Jack RathbornUSA will controversially have Balogun available after his suspension was wiped by Fifa. Pochettino also has injury concerns regarding Mark McKenzie and Cristian Roldan, while talisman Christian Pulisic will be expected to start after his injury problems earlier in the tournament.
Zeno Debast is still a doubt to feature for Belgium due to an injury that has kept him out the entire World Cup, though Leandro Trossard is fit despite concerns.
US Secretary of State on Trump's impact after Balogun ban rescinded
18:06 , Jack RathbornUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: "It was great. They got screwed with that red card. There needs to be an appeal process for that. It's probably too late for that."
Fifa president clarifies Donald Trump conversation over rescinding Balogun ban
17:55 , Jack RathbornFifa President Gianni Infantino has been forced to clarify a conversation he had with US president Donald Trump ahead of Folarin Balogun’s red card being suspended.
Balogun was shown a straight red card during the United States’ last-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic in which he appeared to scrape his studs down the calf of the defender before landing on, and twisting, his ankle.
The forward has been an influential player for the World Cup 2026 co-hosts and would have missed the last-16 clash with Belgium due to a one-match ban following his dismissal.
Fifa president clarifies Donald Trump conversation over rescinding Balogun ban
Trump finally arrives at World Cup – but Balogun decision shows Fifa hasn’t learned its lesson
17:41 , Jack RathbornIt came like a bolt from the blue, so much so that many Team USA players and staff were completely unaware of the pack of cards being shuffled behind closed doors on Sunday morning. US defender Chris Richards even admitted: "I thought it was AI at first.”
The extraordinary decision by Fifa to “suspend” Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban for his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina means the United States will have their star striker available for the last-16 tie against Belgium, who maintain they are “astonished” at the decision. Just thirty-two hours before kick-off in Seattle, head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been handed a massive boost to his hopes of a quarter-final spot.
It is extraordinary because the case seemed closed: Fifa confirmed after the Bosnia match that, rightly or wrongly, there were no grounds for the US to appeal the decision or the sanction. However, the first indications that wheels were perhaps in motion higher up the food chain came on Friday.
Balogun call shows lessons not learned as Trump arrives at World Cup
Belgium v USA
17:44 , Jack RathbornAfter an extraordinary 24 hours with Fifa changing Folarin Balogun’s ban to a suspended ban, the football world has melted.
The Belgian FA are furious, Norway’s manager has joined the debate, despite his side not being impacted directly, and now Trump has candidly spoken about his direct involvement with Fifa President Gianni Infantino.
Many are suggesting that the decision on Balogun compromises the fair play and integrity of the tournament.
And in just a few hours, the USMNT will be playing Belgium in a massive last 16 tie. We’ll have all the build-up for you.
