Glee, snark reigns after American loss | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Belgium’s 4-1 World Cup victory over the United States on Monday sparked widespread snark online, fueled by controversy over the eligibility of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. The U.S. had expected him to serve a one-game suspension after a red card versus Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA lifted the ban following a phone call from President Donald Trump to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino. Several European outlets described the reversal as an improper intervention, while Belgium-themed celebrations turned taunts into public messaging after the win. The match also unfolded as global leaders traveled to Ankara, Turkey, for a NATO summit, with European officials seeking continued U.S. support on Ukraine. Belgium advanced to a quarterfinal against Spain.