Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after overpowering co-hosts the United States 4-1 in Seattle, with their victory followed by celebrations widely viewed as a dig at US President Donald Trump.
The Round of 16 encounter had attracted added attention following FIFA's decision to reverse the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun, who had been sent off in his country's previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The reversal, which came after Trump publicly claimed he had intervened on the player's behalf, sparked debate over the independence of FIFA's disciplinary process.
Belgium appeared to reference the controversy after Romelu Lukaku sealed the emphatic victory with a stoppage-time goal. Several players celebrated by mimicking the dance popularised by Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign.
The Belgian national team's official social media account also joined in, posting a picture of Lukaku with the caption, "Overturn this," in what was widely interpreted as a pointed reference to Balogun's reprieve.
Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin admitted the off-field developments had fuelled the team's determination.
"There was a feeling that an injustice had been done, and we wanted to answer on the pitch," he said after the match.
The Royal Belgian Football Association had earlier criticised FIFA's decision to delay Balogun's suspension and unsuccessfully sought to challenge it. FIFA's disciplinary committee dismissed the appeal, ruling that Belgium was not directly involved in the original incident.
Belgium's reward is a quarter-final showdown against Spain.
Spain secured their place in the last eight with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal in Dallas, courtesy of a dramatic stoppage-time winner from substitute Mikel Merino.
After a largely uneventful contest, Merino broke the deadlock in added time, collecting a pass from Ferran Torres before calmly finishing beyond goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
The victory extended Spain's remarkable defensive run, with Luis de la Fuente's side becoming the first nation to record six consecutive clean sheets at a single FIFA World Cup. They have yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
For Portugal, the defeat marked the end of an era.
Cristiano Ronaldo, appearing in what he had already announced would be his final World Cup, was unable to inspire his side to victory. The veteran forward registered Portugal's only shot on target before leaving the field visibly disappointed at the end of the contest.
The elimination also brought an immediate end to Roberto Martinez's spell as Portugal coach.
Martinez confirmed after the match that he would not continue in the role, saying his objective had been to lead Portugal to World Cup glory.
"I came here to win the World Cup, and since we have not achieved that, it is the right time for the federation to appoint a new coach," he said.
Spain and Belgium will now battle for a place in the semi-finals, with both teams entering the contest in impressive form, although by contrasting routes. Spain remain unbeaten without conceding a goal, while Belgium arrive buoyed by an emphatic victory that was as politically charged off the pitch as it was dominant on it.
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