The United States’ FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday (local time), with the result prompting a sharp response from the Iran Football Federation.Belgium outplayed the hosts to book a place in the quarter-finals, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and setting up another goal. The United States had been boosted by the availability of forward Folarin Balogun after FIFA lifted his one-match suspension following his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The decision came after US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review the case.However, Belgium took control of the match as defensive mistakes from the United States led to two first-half goals, while goalkeeper Matt Freese’s error early in the second half helped Belgium extend its lead. Substitute Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal in stoppage time.It was the most goals the United States had conceded in a World Cup match since losing 5-1 to Czechoslovakia in its opening game of the 1990 tournament.The defeat 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 on four occasions.The result was welcomed in Iran, which had exited the tournament in the group stage after drawing all three of its matches. During the tournament, Iranian officials had said the team was treated unfairly in North America.In a statement, an Iran Football Federation spokesperson said: “Now the whole world is dancing to celebrate politics’ humiliating defeat by football.”The official Instagram account of the Iran football team also posted a screenshot of Belgium’s 4-1 win over the United States alongside Belgium’s goalless draw with Iran in the group stage, with the caption: “Dance with me!”.
Earlier, Belgium’s official X account had also reacted to FIFA’s decision to lift Balogun’s suspension by posting: “Overturn this.”
