Belgium ensured the final chapter of one of the World Cup’s biggest controversies was written on the pitch, thrashing co-hosts USA 4-1 in the Round of 16 before taking a pointed swipe at their opponents on social media. Moments after the win in Seattle, the Belgian national team’s official X account posted a blunt message: “Overturn this.” It was a clear reference to FIFA’s decision, less than 24 hours before kickoff, to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Overturn this. 🧏‍♂️ #USABEL pic.twitter.com/KcBAJp3Z7d — Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 7, 2026 The decision had sparked criticism across football. UEFA described it as “incomprehensible and unjustifiable”, while the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) vowed to “defend football” after FIFA rejected its appeal. The row dominated the build-up to the knockout tie. Balogun had been sent off in the USA’s final group-stage match, triggering an automatic suspension. Belgium prepared all week believing the striker would miss the game before FIFA reopened the case under Article 27 of its disciplinary …