Belgium thrashed the United States 4-1 in the World Cup last 16 on Monday, and the Belgian players taunted former US President Donald Trump by mimicking his signature dance moves after Romelu Lukaku scored the fourth goal. The host nation produced a disappointing display as Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals in a match overshadowed by pre-game controversy.
Match summary and Trump dance taunt
Charles de Ketelaere scored twice, Hans Vanaken added a third, and Lukaku completed the rout after the US had equalized through Malik Tillman in the 31st minute. Following Lukaku's goal, several Belgian players performed Trump's distinctive dance, a clear jab at the US president who had intervened in a disciplinary issue involving striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun ban controversy
Balogun was initially handed a one-match ban for a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA suspended the punishment for a year after Trump contacted the organization personally. The decision allowed Balogun to play in the crucial last 16 contest, sparking anger and accusations of corruption globally. The US manager Mauricio Pochettino addressed the controversy after the match.
“It didn't affect our performance. It's not an excuse. It wasn't our day,” said Pochettino, the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss. “But in a personal way, what is the point to insult or receive a lot of bad messages? It's a rule for the federation to apply and to try [to overturn the ban]. My position was to train the team. If Balogun is available because FIFA allow for you to have the player, it's not a problem. I feel disappointed with too many people. They put politics and manipulation, talk about ethics and integrity [first]. If we talk about the history of this game, I am disappointed in a personal way.”
Belgium's celebration and next match
The official X account of the Belgium men's national team joined in the celebrations, posting pictures of Lukaku with the caption: “Overturn this.” Belgium manager Rudi Garcia revealed that Balogun approached him after the game. “Balogun came to talk to me, I liked that. It's not his fault, he's not the one to blame. I told him that. I appreciate he came to talk to me,” Garcia said.
Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals after the European champions beat Portugal 1-0 with a late winner from Mikel Merino.
