US eliminated from World Cup after 4-1 loss to Belgium, red card controversy - ABC News

The United States men's national team was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after losing 4-1 to Belgium on Monday. The loss followed controversy over star striker Folarin Balogun's participation; FIFA suspended his one-game red card ban for a probationary period, allowing him to play despite his ejection in a July 1 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Belgium will face Spain in Friday's quarterfinals in Los Angeles.

Balogun received the red card for a clash with an opposing player in the second half of the Bosnia-Herzegovina match. FIFA initially said the suspension was final and unappeallable but reversed course Sunday, citing a probationary period. The Royal Belgium Football Association and UEFA both protested FIFA's decision, with UEFA calling it "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable." The U.S. had finished the group stage 2-1 and won their round-of-32 match 2-0 over Bosnia-Herzegovina before Monday's loss.