07.07.2026 09:10
Belgium defeated host nation USA 4-1 in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing their place in the quarterfinals and becoming Spain's opponent. The match, in which Balogun played—allegedly having his red card suspension overturned by U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial phone call—was capped off by TRT commentator Özkan Öztürk's unforgettable remark. At the end of the match, Öztürk said, 'Barring any last-minute changes, the USA has bid farewell to the tournament.'
As the excitement storm of the World Cup continues, the host nation USA's farewell to the tournament was widely discussed not only for the result on the field but also for the political crisis behind the scenes. In the round of 16 match officiated by Jordanian referees Adham Makhadmeh, Mohammad Al Kalaf, and Ahhmad Al Roalle, it was Belgium that emerged victorious.
MATCH GOALS AND QUARTER-FINAL MATCHUP
The goals that secured Belgium's advancement came from Ketelaere in the 9th and 33rd minutes, Vanaken in the 57th minute, and Romelu Lukaku in stoppage time at 90+3. The USA's only goal was scored by Tillman in the 31st minute. With this decisive victory, Belgium will face Spain in the grand quarter-final match to be played in Los Angeles on July 10.
THE 'BALOGUN' CRISIS SHAKING WORLD FOOTBALL
The biggest incident overshadowing the match was the presence of US forward Folarin Balogun on the field. Balogun, who received a red card in the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, had his suspension controversially postponed by FIFA for one year.
Following the crisis, US President Donald Trump confirmed that he personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and made the following statements that landed like a bombshell on the world football agenda:
"I requested a review because I thought it wasn't a foul. It wasn't like someone punching another in the face. I really know sports well. That position wasn't a foul, it wouldn't even be considered a rule violation. I just expressed how I felt; I didn't tell him what to do, nor could I. Anyway, I don't believe he made the decision; a committee made it, and I think they made the right decision."
UNFORGETTABLE CLOSING BY TRT SPOKESPERSON ÖZKAN ÖZTÜRK
While the shelving of the red card penalty through political intervention resonated widely in the world press, TRT spokesperson Özkan Öztürk, who provided the commentary for the match, reacted to this scandal with a historic reference at the final whistle of the 90 minutes.
Öztürk, alluding to Trump's intervention, closed the match with these legendary words:
"And the match is over! Unless there is a last-minute change, the USA has bid farewell to the tournament..."