Team USA suffered a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, sparking controversy and social backlash linked to President Donald Trump's influence and "The Trump Curse."

Folarin Balogun's suspension was suspended following the intervention of Donald Trump and FIFA, sparking controversy: the striker played in the round of 16 in Seattle, but the United States were eliminated 4-1 by Belgium.

The U.S. men's national team has been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday, July 6 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Mauricio Pochettino named an unchanged starting lineup after Folarin Balogun's suspension was suspended by FIFA and allowed to play.

The United States' World Cup dream went up in smoke on Monday, comprehensively dismantled 4-1 by Belgium in a display that will linger long in the memory.

With Folarin Balogun starting, Belgium cruised to a victory over the USA, with De Ketelaera, Vanaken and Lukaku finding the net.