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Belgium finds FIFA's decision on Balogun "incomprehensible," questions Trump's political intervention
via SeneNews2 min read
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has deemed FIFA's decision to suspend the red card issued to American striker Balogun at the 2026 World Cup as "incomprehensible." Prévot also questioned the political intervention of Donald Trump, stating that if a phone call influenced this decision, it would violate the most basic rules of football and sport, undermining FIFA's credibility regarding fair play. Meanwhile, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever reacted humorously to the controversy through his cat, Maximus, on Instagram, who posted a photo with a red card and the caption, "Red card? I'm still going to play!" The indignant reactions followed FIFA's Sunday announcement to suspend the red card given to Folarin Balogun, which would have prevented him from playing in the USA/Belgium round of 16 match. Sources close to the matter confirmed that Donald Trump, who has a long-standing friendship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, called him on Wednesday to request a review of the American striker's suspension. This call occurred just hours after the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Balogun was sent off. As a result, Team USA's top scorer in this World Cup will be able to play in Seattle for the round of 16 against the Red Devils at 5:00 PM Tuesday 00:00 GMT.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Portugal was defeated 0-1 by Spain in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, leading to their elimination from the competition. This loss marks an emotional moment for captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 41, had confirmed before the tournament that this would be his final World Cup appearance. Images of the Portuguese star's distress after the final whistle quickly circulated globally. Ronaldo appeared dejected, aware that this World Cup likely represented his last major international endeavor. Portugal resisted Spain for a long time before conceding a goal to Mikel Merino in extra time, resulting in a cruel end for Ronaldo and his teammates, who were eliminated just minutes before potential extra time. The sight of Cristiano Ronaldo with his head down and tears in his eyes after the final whistle highlights the emotion of a champion who dedicated over two decades to the Portuguese national team in pursuit of a trophy he will never win.
Must ReadMikel Merino scored in the final minute of regulation, securing Spain's victory over Portugal in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. The decisive goal, scored at the 90+1 minute mark, ended Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup journey. The match was heading for extra time when Ferran Torres set up Merino, who then beat Diogo Costa with a left-footed shot, giving Spain a 1-0 lead. This late goal concluded Portugal's participation in the tournament and marked what was likely Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance.
Must ReadSenegal's participation in the 2026 World Cup was reportedly disrupted by internal tensions concerning national coach Pape Thiaw's contractual situation, according to French investigative journalist Romain Molina. Molina stated that Thiaw arrived in the United States without an officially signed contract with the Senegalese Football Federation FSF, creating uncertainty within the technical staff before a crucial World Cup match. The journalist claimed that Thiaw considered leaving the competition before the match against Norway due to disagreements over his engagement with the Federation. Molina quoted, "Pape Thiaw started packing his bags. We are in the hotel. He is ready to leave the World Cup. The Federation is in a panic." The FSF reportedly attempted to resolve the situation by offering Thiaw a new contract, which included a clause conditioning his continued involvement on qualifying for the World Cup quarterfinals. Molina explained, "They bring him a contract and they add a clause: participation in the quarterfinals; otherwise he's out. Except that it wasn't negotiated like that." This attempt to formalize the contract reportedly led to further tensions between Thiaw and some federal officials, including the FSF's secretary general. Molina reported, "New tensions between the FSF secretary general and Pape Thiaw. Insults, etc. So, they had to come back with another contract and he finally signed his contract five hours before the match against Norway."