The USA is set to face Belgium in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Seattle Stadium, Seattle, USA, on Monday, July 6, at 7pm local time (00:00 GMT Tuesday). The match comes amid controversy after US President Donald Trump reportedly urged FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, to review a disciplinary case involving the American team less than 48 hours before kickoff.

The case centers on the suspension of player Balogun due to a red card, a decision that has drawn criticism. USA coach Mauricio Pochettino stated, “I think 99.9% of people in football have said this is an unfair punishment and there’s evidence from the past that makes it possible to suspend a punishment and ⁠to fulfil it later on, so I don’t understand how people can be surprised.”

This lobbying effort by Trump and the subsequent last-minute U-turn by FIFA have stirred debate about fairness, with some suggesting the United States holds an unfair advantage before the game even begins. Whether the decision will impact Belgium remains uncertain.

The USA, as the last remaining World Cup cohost, faces pressure to secure a quarterfinals berth for the first time in over two decades. Fans can follow the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 20:30 GMT, with live text commentary available.

Sources