International press echoes US elimination: "Not even Trump prevented it"

The elimination of the United States from the 2026 World Cup with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium had repercussions in the international press, especially after the controversy involving Folarin Balogun, an American striker who was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the second phase, but had his suspension overturned by FIFA and was on the field this Monday.

North American President Donald Trump, who confirmed that he had interfered in the annulment of the player's punishment, was one of the most criticized by newspapers around the world.

"They had President Trump, we had King Charles. Belgium easily bypassed the United States thanks to a superb performance by Charles De Ketelaere", wrote the Belgian sports newspaper DH Les Sports, praising the performance of midfielder De Ketelaere, scorer of two goals in the victory over the United States.

"Trump doesn't get what he wanted and Belgium will be Spain's rival in the quarterfinals," wrote the Spanish newspaper Sport.

Another Spanish outlet that quoted the American president was Marca: "Not even Trump can avoid it: Spain and Belgium in the quarterfinals!."

In the United States, The Athletic classified the American performance as "humbled".

"The American team's World Cup comes to an end against Belgium in a disruptive performance in the round of 16", he published.

In Argentina, home of Mauricio Pochettino, coach of the North American team, the daily Olé classified the Belgian performance as a "snog".

"Belgium crushes Pochettino's United States", he wrote.

After eliminating the United States, Belgium faces Spain in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. The duel between the countries is scheduled for next Friday, the 10th, at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Levi's Stadium, in Inglewood, California.

Uefa blasts FIFA for releasing Balogun for the World Cup: "He crossed a red line"

Source: CNN