World Cup in photos: Belgium leads U.S. after Balogun controversy; Ronaldo exits World Cup

CNBC July 07, 2026 5 views

The U.S. headed into its Round-of-16 World Cup match against Belgium with focus on Folarin Balogun after FIFA suspended his one-match red-card ban.
Ronaldo exits the World Cup after Portugal lost to Spain, 0-1.
The U.S. headed into its Round-of-16 World Cup match against Belgium dealing with controversy after FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's one-match red-card ban, paving the way for the team's leading scorer to play.
Balogun was initially sent off during the United States' 2-0 Round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA overturned the decision. Belgium challenged that, but FIFA dismissed the protest as inadmissible while UEFA criticized the ruling as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable."
The ruling has drawn added attention after President Donald Trump defended urging FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's red card, fueling questions over whether political pressure played a role in the decision.
Belgium was leading 3-1. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice to put the team ahead in the first half. The U.S. briefly leveled through a deflected free kick from Malik Tillman, but Belgium restored its advantage later, and Hans Vanaken added to that in the second half.
Separately, Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of lifting the World Cup came to an end after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain, as Mikel Merino struck late to send his country into the quarterfinals.
<small>Source: CNBC</small>

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