the United States FIFA World Cup The campaign ended with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday (local time), with the result prompting a strong response from the Iranian Football Federation.Belgium overcame the hosts to book a place in the quarter-finals, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and setting up another goal.The United States were 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 the President of the United States Donald Trump asked FIFA to review the case.However, Belgium took control of the match as defensive errors from the United States led to two goals in the first half, while a mistake by goalkeeper Matt Freese early in the second half helped Belgium extend their lead. Substitute Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal in stoppage time.It was the most goals the U.S. has conceded in a World Cup game since a 5-1 loss to Czechoslovakia in their opening game of the 1990 tournament.The defeat also ended another attempt by the United States to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. Since that run, the Americans have been eliminated in the round of 16 on four occasions.The result was welcomed in Iran, who had exited the tournament in the group stage after drawing all three games. During the tournament, Iranian officials had said that the team was treated unfairly in North America.In a statement, a spokesman for the Iranian Football Federation said: “Now the whole world is dancing to celebrate the humiliating defeat of politicians 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: “Cancel this.”