Foreign press turns on Trump after Belgium’s USA rout

The Belgian national team delivered a statement in Seattle. They defeated Team USA 4-1 on Friday evening, securing their place in the World Cup quarter-finals. The result has reshaped international perceptions of the Red Devils, with foreign media now turning their attention elsewhere—specifically, to Donald Trump. For much of the tournament, the Belgian side had faced criticism from the global press. The controversy surrounding the inclusion of Folarin Balogun had dominated headlines, with many questioning his selection. Yet the 4-1 victory over the United States has shifted the narrative entirely. The Belgian performance was emphatic, with the team producing their best display of the World Cup so far. The Belgian Football Association’s decision to start Balogun had drawn fierce debate. But after his lacklustre display against the USA, the focus has shifted from the striker to the wider implications of the result. The foreign press, once sceptical, is now lavishing praise on the Red Devils. Spanish outlet ** led the charge with a provocative headline: “Even Trump cannot avoid the inevitable.” Their analysis praised Belgium’s transformation of controversy into dominance, describing their performance as masterful.

Belgium crush USA 4-1: Red Devils march on to quarter-final clash with Spain

*AS* joined the chorus with a sharp jab at Trump. Their headline read: “Even Trump cannot change this. The USA are out. Perhaps he’ll impose a 100% tariff on Belgian beer tomorrow.” The tone underscores the growing frustration among international observers with the former US president’s public interventions in football matters. Spanish media are not alone in their newfound admiration. French newspaper *L’Équipe* hailed Belgium’s performance as a “reference match at the best possible moment,” while the *New York Times* attributed the USA’s exit to their own sloppy play. Balogun, once the centre of attention, was described as a “non-factor” in the defeat.

De Bruyne and Doku left out as Balogun starts for the USA against Belgium

The Belgian camp is now preparing for Friday’s quarter-final against Spain in Los Angeles, kick-off at 21:00 Belgian time. The victory over the USA has not only silenced critics but also raised expectations. Should Belgium progress, a potential semi-final on 14 July—Bastille Day—looms against either France or Morocco, with the final set for 19 July. The shift in tone from the foreign press reflects a broader realignment in the tournament’s narrative. What began as scepticism around Balogun’s selection has ended with Belgium being celebrated as genuine title contenders. The question now is whether their momentum can carry them further.