FIFA men's World Cup 2026

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⚽️ U.S. survives a man down

U.S. midfielder Malik Tillman celebrates the Americans' second goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara last night. Photo: Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images The U.S. beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 last night for its first World Cup knockout-round win in 24 years, Axios' Bob Gee writes. The U.S. showed grit and resilience playing a man down after losing striker Folarin Balogun, the team's leading scorer. Balogun was issued a red card in the second half after he inadvertently landed on a Bosnia defender's heel, meaning he must sit out the next game. Midfielder Malik Tillman sealed the win in the 82nd minute with a free kick that curled over the Bosnian wall and past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. Next up, the Americans face Belgium in Seattle on Monday. Read on. Team USA The USA defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 on Wednesday to advance to the World Cup Round of 16, earning its first knockout-stage victory since 2002. The historic win now sets up a highly anticipated clash with Belgium on Monday in Seattle. Catch up here. Malik Tillman of the US celebrates after scoring the team's second goal. (Carlos Barria/Reuters) FOLLOW ALONG: Sign up for The Beautiful Game, CNN Sports' daily World Cup newsletter

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World Cup controversy

The soccer world is up in arms over FIFA’s decision to allow Team USA’s Folarin Balogun to be eligible to play against Belgium today despite being sent off in the previous match. A source familiar with the matter told CNN on Sunday that President Donald Trump spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino this week after Balogun’s red card and asked him to review the call. Read more.

ANALYSIS: Trump’s red card call stirs political storm around World Cup   FIFA lifts US star’s suspension at World Cup after Trump call President Donald Trump intervened on behalf of star U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, whose red-card suspension was lifted, allowing him to play against Belgium on Monday. Read more. Why this matters: Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the game with Bosnia-Herzegovina asking FIFA to review the red card, according to a person familiar with the call who spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter. It appeared to be the first time since 1962 that a red card during a World Cup didn’t result in a suspension.   The extraordinary move triggered praise from Trump and outrage from Belgium’s team. “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump said in a statement on social media. The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished.” RELATED COVERAGE ➤ UEFA says decision by FIFA to let U.S. forward play at World Cup is ‘incomprehensible’   Previewing the US match against Belgium

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Belgian federation to challenge FIFA’s decision to let Folarin Balogun play in World Cup match

The Belgian soccer federation wants an explanation from FIFA about a decision to let U.S forward Folarin Balogun play at the World Cup despite getting a red card in his previous game.

https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-balogun-belgium-fifa-84795f69bc7a2b6ebe5f7486f34654d7?

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Belgium beats US 4-1 to reach World Cup quarterfinals, taking advantage of defensive lapses

SEATTLE (AP) — Images told the story of the United States’ World Cup downfall.

https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-united-states-belgium-score-0325e8102be7a88e852079deffd70ca0?

ps:Good for them! The US didn't need any help from the man that has no knowledgeable of soccer!! They could've won on there own, they didn't need someone to try and fix the game for them!!!!!!!!!!

⚽ World Cup bummer

View from behind the goal as U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese unable to stop Belgium's fourth score during a 4-1 World Cup Round of 16 loss in Seattle. Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images The U.S. crashed out of its home World Cup last night, losing 4–1 to Belgium in Seattle, just after President Trump leaned on FIFA to get striker Folarin Balogun cleared to play. The Americans got their best crack at a deep run in a generation with home turf, a soft bracket and a mostly healthy roster, but squandered it in a lopsided and embarrassing exit. Belgium rested two of its biggest stars and still won comfortably — a measure of how far the Americans remain from soccer's elite. The match was nearly over before it started. A Belgium forward scored in the ninth minute, and though the U.S. bounced back on a deflected free kick, the same Belgian struck again two minutes later to take back the lead. U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese's blunder, mishandling a ball far outside his net, gave Belgium a third goal, and then the Belgians scored a fourth in the final minute. For a month, America charmed the soccer world as co-host and won over visiting fans. That goodwill came crashing down after FIFA reversed the suspension of Balogun, the U.S.'s leading scorer. The reversal came after Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Balogun had been red-carded a match earlier. The reversal drew a rare public rebuke from Europe's soccer establishment. Photo: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images Cristiano Ronaldo, one of soccer's biggest superstars, teared up on the pitch in Arlington, Texas, after playing in his last World Cup match yesterday. Portugal, where he made his international debut 23 years ago, was eliminated by Spain. That ended the World Cup career for the all-time leader in international goals (146) and appearances (233). He's the only player to score goals in six consecutive World Cups. "I go with a clear conscience," Ronaldo, 41, said after the match. Photo gallery: Ronaldo in six World Cups.