Balogun starts as USA face Belgium in politically charged World Cup 2026 last-16 clash

Folarin Balogun will lead the line for the United States against Belgium in their FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 tie on Thursday, after a controversy involving Donald Trump’s intervention with FIFA secured the striker’s eligibility despite a red card in the previous round against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The match carries echoes of the two nations’ meeting at Brazil 2014, when Belgium edged a memorable extra-time victory despite Tim Howard’s World Cup record 16 saves. On that occasion Belgium’s golden generation was at its peak and the Americans were clear underdogs; this time, the sides are considered far more evenly matched.

The political storm surrounding Balogun’s participation has added an unusual edge to the build-up. His confirmation in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI ensures the fixture arrives with a level of off-field intrigue rarely seen at this stage of a tournament.

With the kick-off scheduled for 1am BST, the BBC opted against a studio presentation setup, going straight to the commentary team. Robyn Cowen, who served as lead commentator on BBC One’s coverage of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 — the tournament in which England’s Lionesses were victorious — takes the main commentary role. She is joined in the booth by former England defender Matthew Upson as co-commentator.

Upson, who played for Arsenal, West Ham and Birmingham City during his club career, is perhaps best remembered internationally for scoring England’s only goal in their 4-1 defeat by Germany at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He scored one other international goal, also against Germany, in 2008.

The stakes are clear: whoever advances from this tie will face Spain in the quarter-finals, scheduled for Friday, 10 July at 8pm BST.