In a dramatic turn of events, the US and Europe are butting heads again—this time over a soccer game. During a World Cup round-of-16 match on the 6th, Belgium defeated the US 4-1 to advance to the quarter-finals. The controversy centers on US forward Balogun, who got a red card in an earlier match but was allowed to play anyway after FIFA temporarily suspended his ban. This made him the first player since the 1970 World Cup to take the field after receiving a red card.
Belgian head coach Garcia spoke with US player Balogun after the match. (Photo credit: Visual China)
Trump and FIFA President Confirm Phone Call
According to reports, Trump confirmed on the 6th that he had spoken with FIFA President Infantino about the red card decision, saying he asked for a review because he didn’t think it was a foul—but insisted he didn’t tell Infantino what to do. Trump reportedly called FIFA three times since the 1st, trying to get the penalty overturned. “How can you punish someone for a game that hasn’t even started yet? That’s totally unfair,” he said.
Infantino later issued a statement acknowledging the call, explaining he often hears from world leaders, government officials, and business executives on various matters. He emphasized that FIFA’s independent judicial body was handling the case according to procedures and would make the final decision.
Insiders told Reuters that England is now considering whether to appeal a red card given to their player Quansah in a match against Mexico, given FIFA’s handling of Balogun’s situation.
Belgium’s Silent Protest and EU Outrage
Belgium didn’t just win—they made a statement. CNN reports that the Belgian team deliberately didn’t field their strongest starting lineup and crafted a strategy specifically to counter the US’s usual tactics, as a way of expressing displeasure with the US. However, Belgian head coach Garcia downplayed the drama in the post-match press conference, saying he had a normal chat with Balogun after the final whistle.
European officials are not letting this slide. “The decision clearly raises a lot of questions,” said Belgian Foreign Minister Prevot on the 6th. Belgian Prime Minister De Wever responded with biting sarcasm, sharing a photo of his cat with a red card in front of it, captioned: “Red card? I’m still going on the pitch anyway!”
EU Sports Commissioner Mikalef also weighed in, writing on social media: “Decisions about sports rules should be left to sports governing bodies, not politicians.” Some EU lawmakers are now urging national football associations to take formal action against FIFA and demand an investigation into the decision-making process behind Balogun’s suspended ban.
From Greenland to Tariffs to Soccer: The Rift Widens
“In a way, the US-Belgium conflict reflects deeper ideological divides,” noted De Vos, a political scientist at Ghent University. “Belgium has strong checks and balances, and we’re committed to diplomacy and rule-making internationally. The US approach fundamentally clashes with our political culture.”
The New York Times summed it up: “Greenland, tariffs, NATO, and now soccer—Trump and Europe are clashing again.” The article points out that transatlantic relations have been strained for the past year and a half over territorial threats, trade disputes, and more. But for many Europeans, this soccer controversy feels personal. While they’ve sometimes swallowed their pride on bigger geopolitical issues, this time they’re finding it hard to stay silent.
Kirkegaard, an analyst at the Bruegel think tank in Belgium, offered a nuanced take: European leaders might see this as another example of the US acting like it’s above all rules. In the long run, this could make it harder for right-wing European leaders who already keep Trump at arm’s length to align with him. But in the short term, with Europe needing US support on Ukraine, they’re unlikely to pick a fight they can’t afford.
