• Folarin Balogun played against Belgium but with limited impact.

Belgium produced a commanding display to defeat the United States 4-1 and book a FIFA World Cup quarter-final meeting with Spain.

The last-16 encounter in Seattle was overshadowed by controversy surrounding USA striker Folarin Balogun’s eligibility after FIFA suspended his one-match ban before kick-off.

Balogan was permitted to play, despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, after U.S. President Donald Trump’s unprecedented intervention but he barely had an impact on the pitch.

Belgium ignored the off-field distractions and dominated the opening exchanges with aggressive pressing and swift attacking football.

Charles De Ketelaere gave Belgium the lead in the ninth minute with a simple tap-in, taking full advantage of a nervous start by the U.S. to quickly deflate the partisan crowd.

Malik Tillman’s deflected free kick levelled the game in the 31st minute, but De Ketelaere restored Belgium’s lead almost immediately with a back-post header.

The U.S. improved after the break until a calamitous error from goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed substitute Hans Vanaken to score in the 57th minute.Romelu Lukaku then added a fourth in added time to send U.S. fans streaming for the exits and Belgium into the quarter-finals. The goal was Lukaku’s 93rd for Belgium and his seventh in FIFA World Cup finals.

The ‌U.S. defeat ⁠means all three co-hosts are out of the tournament, after Canada and Mexico lost their last-16 games.

“In the moments that we were doing well (in the tournament), we felt amazing,” U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams said.

“And then obviously, an opportunity like today, we didn’t grasp it – and it’s gonna sting.”

USA manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted his side never recovered after conceding immediately following their equaliser.

“From the beginning, we didn’t connect with the game. Even when we scored the goal, we conceded in the next action,” Pochettino said.

Team Nigeria athletes preparing for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games have praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for what they describe as exceptional support, improved welfare, and comprehensive preparations ahead of the competition scheduled to begin on July 23 in Scotland.

Leading the commendation, Team Nigeria Captain and Paralympic champion, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, said that the Commission has created an athlete-friendly environment that has enabled competitors to concentrate fully on training and performance.

She noted that the provision of quality facilities, sports kits, accommodation, medical services, and logistics has significantly boosted morale within the camp.

According to Oluwafemiayo, athletes are impressed by the level of organisation and commitment demonstrated by the Commission, describing the preparations as one of the most structured and supportive experiences for Team Nigeria ahead of a major international event.

Other members of the contingent also expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere in camp, highlighting a strong sense of unity, confidence, and determination as they intensify preparations for the Games.

They credited the Commission’s early planning for eliminating many of the challenges that have affected previous international outings, and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering strong performances and competing for medals across various events.

Team Nigeria is expected to challenge strongly in athletics, weightlifting, boxing, wrestling, and para-sports, building on the country’s successful outing at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will run from July 23 to August 2, featuring ten sports and an integrated para-sport programme. Team Nigeria will be led by captains Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, with the National Sports Commission maintaining that athlete welfare, technical support, and meticulous planning remain central to the country’s quest for podium success.

Paris FC on Tuesday announced that Liam Rosenior was taking over as coach.

“The English manager has signed a contract with the club until June 2028 and will take up his post on Thursday 9 July, when team training resumes,” said a club statement.

Rosenior replaces Antoine Kombouare, who joined the Parisian side, owned by the LVMH luxury group, in February and steered them clear of the relegation battle to finish 11th, with notable wins over Monaco and champions Paris Saint-Germain.

“Following this season and after discussions between all parties involved, it was decided to bring this collaboration to an end in order to open a new chapter in the club’s history,” said the club statement.

It will be Rosenior’s third club in under a year. He was sacked as Chelsea manager after less than four months in charge in April after leaving Strasbourg, where his free-flowing game lifted the club into the top third of Ligue 1.

Aged 41, Liam Rosenior already has a wealth of experience at the highest level,” said Paris FC.

“He has quickly established himself as one of the most promising coaches of his generation.”Antoine Arnault, representative of the Arnault family which owns the club, expressed his enthusiasm for Rosenior.”

(AFP)