The United States was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup after a 41 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16, following an unprecedented FIFA controversy surrounding US striker Folarin Baloguns eligibility.

The United States was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup after a 41 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16, following an unprecedented FIFA controversy surrounding US striker Folarin Baloguns eligibility.Balogun was included in the United States starting lineup after FIFA lifted his one-match suspension in a decision that sparked widespread criticism across the sport.The suspension stemmed from a red card issued by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus during the Americans 20 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, when Balogun was sent off for stepping on an opponents ankle. The dismissal carried an automatic one-game suspension.Following a phone call between US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFAs disciplinary committee suspended Baloguns ban for one year, allowing him to play against Belgium.The decision prompted UEFA to describe the ruling as unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.Belgiums request to have the suspension reinstated was rejected by FIFAs appeals committee, which ruled that the Belgian Football Association lacked standing to challenge the decision.Belgian supporters responded by chanting FIFA Mafia during their march to Lumen Field before kickoff.Infantino denied influencing the disciplinary committees decisionSource: @trtworld on X/Twitter