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2026 World Cup (Official Thread)

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USMNT vs. Belgium expert predictions, World Cup picks: What does Folarin Balogun's return mean for USA Soccer?

With Folarin Balogun cleared to play, the U.S. aim for their first quarterfinal in 24 years in a high-stakes rematch against Belgium
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USMNT vs. Belgium expert predictions, World Cup picks: What does Folarin Balogun's return mean for USA Soccer?

With Folarin Balogun cleared to play, the U.S. aim for their first quarterfinal in 24 years in a high-stakes rematch against Belgium​

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Who wins and why

USA 2, Belgium 1: This game feels more like a toss-up than any of the USMNT's matches so far at this World Cup, the result depending entirely on whether or not either team actually comes up with their best or arrives to the game as an underwhelming version of themsleves that we've all seen before. The U.S. team's defensive weaknesses will likely be exposed at some point but Belgium have been very inconsistent in attack, which may ultimately cost them a deep run at this World Cup. -- Pardeep Cattry

USA 2, Belgium 1: The Balogun effect is real. Yes, Belgium can hurt the United States and the memories of March are still fresh, but this is a Belgium side who have essentialy played 55 minutes of good soccer during this World Cup. Keep your cool, take your chances, and good things will come. The USMNT has been doing that under Pochettino, and I expect it to continue. -- Chuck Booth

USA 3, Belgium 1: These two teams are evenly matched, but Belgium have struggled at this tournament. It'll be a close match, but look for USMNT to hold a narrow edge and nurse a narrow edge late in the game where they add on a third as Belgium desperately chase an equalizer. Belgium's defense has really struggled and an aggressive USMNT side won't be afraid to test them, and pass that test.-- Mike Goodman

Belgium 2, USA 1: The U.S. have impressed me and continue to prove me wrong. So maybe this will be the jinx for the USMNT fans. I know the game is not played on paper, and Belgium have been far from convincing, but I think they learned their lessons from the narrow win over Senegal and end USA's run on Monday night. -- Roger Gonzalez
 
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This whole Balogun thing is wild. Like apparently everyone now thinks this is the first corrupt thing FIFA has ever done, and that somehow he is some cross between Pele, Suarez, Shevchenko and the Easter Bunny, so instead of being like "Who gives a shit, bring Balogun, Dempsey, Donovan, whoever" Belgium has basically already conceded defeat with him playing and filed an emergency injunction or appeal or something. It's crazy.
 
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Bucklion said:
This whole Balogun thing is wild. Like apparently everyone now thinks this is the first corrupt thing FIFA has ever done, and that somehow he is some cross between Pele, Suarez, Shevchenko and the Easter Bunny, so instead of being like "Who gives a shit, bring Balogun, Dempsey, Donovan, whoever" Belgium has basically already conceded defeat with him playing and filed an emergency injunction or appeal or something. It's crazy.
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The POTUS is seen as being behind it from what I read.

No matter anyone's individual stance on POTUS, anything he does gets an absurd amount of attention. Big, emotional reactions and nobody (love him or hate him) gets hung up on inconvenient details that may weaken their chosen narrative.
 
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AKAK said:
Who cares fuck them

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Just sayn':
1. Apparently Belgium did officially "bitch" to FIFA about letting Balogun play tonight.
2. Yeah, "Fuck them"; (and scUM too), for that matter...:lol:

2026 World Cup: Folarin Balogun available for U.S. Monday night as Belgium's red card suspension appeal is dismissed​

United States men's national team striker Folarin Balogun will officially be available for the team's World Cup game Monday night against Belgium in Seattle.

Belgium had appealed FIFA's decision to void Balogun's one-game suspension from the red card he received in the Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA has now dismissed the appeal, paving the way for the striker to play.

FIFA issued a statement obtained by The Athletic. It said in part, "the RBFA (Royal Belgian Football Association) is not a party to the proceedings and, as such, has no standing to appeal the decision."
 
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Bucklion said:
This whole Balogun thing is wild. Like apparently everyone now thinks this is the first corrupt thing FIFA has ever done, and that somehow he is some cross between Pele, Suarez, Shevchenko and the Easter Bunny, so instead of being like "Who gives a shit, bring Balogun, Dempsey, Donovan, whoever" Belgium has basically already conceded defeat with him playing and filed an emergency injunction or appeal or something. It's crazy.
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Yeah, the reaction is nuts. When the red card happened the whole world agreed it was bogus. Now they're besides themselves that a) a wrong was righted and b) FIFA might be corrupt.

Nothing new was learned about corruptness, and the right result is happening. And they're acting like the fabric of time is about to come apart.
 
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