The United States’ FIFA World Cup The campaign ended with a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday (local time), with the result prompting a sharp response from the Iran Football Federation.Belgium defeated the hosts to book a place in the quarter-finals, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and setting up another goal.The United States was boosted by the availability of forward Folarin Balogun after FIFA lifted his one-game suspension following his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The decision came after the US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review the case.However, Belgium controlled the game as defensive mistakes from the United States led to two goals in the first half, while a mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese early in the second half helped Belgium extend their lead. Substitute Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal in stoppage time.It was the most goals scored by the United States in a World Cup game since losing 5-1 to Czechoslovakia in the opening game of the 1990 tournament.The loss also ended another attempt by the United States to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Since that run, the Americans have now been eliminated in the round of 16 four times.The result was welcomed by Iran, who exited the tournament at the group stage after drawing all three of its matches. During the tournament, Iranian officials said the team was treated unfairly in North America.In a statement, a spokesman for the Iran Football Federation said: “Today the whole world is dancing to celebrate the shameful defeat of football politics.”The official Instagram account of the Iran football team also posted a screenshot of Belgium’s 4-1 win over the United States along with Belgium’s goalless draw against Iran in the group stage, with the caption: “Dance with me!”.
Earlier, Belgium’s official X account also reacted to FIFA’s decision to lift Balogun’s suspension by posting. “Turn it over.”