Belgium Defeats USA 4-1 as Balogun Returns After Ban Lift

Belgium secured a 4-1 victory over the United States in a 2026 World Cup encounter, ending the match as the dominant side. The United States, one of the tournament’s three co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico, saw its hopes dampened by the loss.

Prior to the match, US forward Folarin Balogun had been set to serve an automatic one-match ban after receiving a red card during the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1. FIFA announced on the Sunday before the Belgium fixture that it had suspended that ban, allowing Balogun to return to the starting lineup.

The game took place within the broader context of the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As two of the host nations faced each other, the match attracted attention as a clash of tournament co‑hosts.

In addition to the on‑field action, reports noted that prediction‑market operator Kalshi offered event contracts for the 2026 World Cup, including the United States‑Belgium matchup, allowing traders to speculate on outcomes during the competition.

Balogun’s return to the lineup did not translate into influence on the game. He endured a frustrating evening, failing to make a significant impact as Belgium controlled play and created numerous chances.

Belgium’s performance was decisive, with the team scoring four goals and effectively sweeping aside the United States. The result underscored Belgium’s superiority in the contest and left the US side searching for answers as the tournament progresses.