World Cup 2026: Thibaut Courtois settles the score with the United States
Belgium made it clear. The Red Devils cruised to a commanding 4-1 win over the United States in the round of 16 and secured their place in the World Cup quarterfinals. It’s a huge sigh of relief after a week dominated by heated controversy over the Balogun case.
What’s the backstory? The American striker, who was sent off with a red card in the round of 16 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, finally took the field against Belgium following intervention from the White House. That development stirred anger in the Belgian dressing room, especially after the Americans’ pre-match statements. Thibaut Courtois did not hesitate to fire back after Belgium’s emphatic 4-1 triumph.
We punished the lack of respect the Americans showed us in recent days. They said we were no longer the same team and that they would beat us easily.