Belgium star who was ‘disrespected’ by United States and Donald Trump suffers heartbreaking end to World Cup

Belgium superstar goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was outspoken in his criticism of the United States and Donald Trump, saying he and his team were “disrespected” by FIFA’s decision to allow United States striker Folarin Balogun to play in Monday night’s match. Unfortunately, he suffered a heartbreaking end to what appears to be his final tournament.

Courtois suffered an injury in the second half of Friday’s quarterfinal match against Spain and had to be subbed out of the match. As a result, he could only look on as his replacement suffered a blunder that allowed Spain to score a late second-half goal.

Courtois Speaks Out Against U.S.

On Sunday afternoon, FIFA announced that Balogun, who was expected to miss the match against Belgium with an automatic suspension for his red card in the previous match, would be eligible to play against Belgium.

The unusual and unprecedented move sparked widespread outrage, especially once Trump confirmed that he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the foul and Balogun’s punishment, resulting in some Americans even throwing their support behind Belgium instead of the United States.

Belgium was especially outspoken in its dissent, even warning the United States that if Balogun was in the lineup on Monday, that would leave “all further actions open.” Balogun was indeed in the lineup, but Begium had no issues against the United States, winning the match by a final score of 4-1 and mocking Trump on the field in the process.

After the match, Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is widely regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the world, addressed the victory over the United States and all the drama in the lead-up, admitting that the team felt “disrespected.”

“In recent days, we have been disrespected here in the United States,” Courtois said, via USMNT Only on X. “It was being said that they could beat us easily, but I think today we showed that we are a good team. We played a great match.”

Heartbreaking End

Unfortunately, the World Cup run came to a heartbreaking end for Courtois and Belgium on Friday.

With the score tied 1-1 in the second half of Friday afternoon’s match between Belgium and Spain, Courtois suffered an injury while making a sliding play on a ball. As a result, the superstar goalkeeper had to be subbed out of the match in the 70th minute as Belgium turned to backup Senne Lammens.

Unfortunately, things did not go well for Lammens.

Late in Friday’s match, Lammens made a save on a long, rather unthreatening shot from Spain. However, he failed to catch the ball or corral it afterward. Instead, the loose ball bounced right back to Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, who found the back of the net with ease.

LATE HEROICS FOR SPAIN IN LOS ANGELES

One step closer to the Semifinals… pic.twitter.com/3PCNRwLmAX

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 10, 2026

Courtois could only watch from the sideline as his replacement’s costly blunder allowed what turned out to be the match-deciding goal.

Unfortunately for Courtois, at 34 years old, this was likely his last run through the World Cup, and it came to an end in heartbreaking fashion.

The post Belgium star who was ‘disrespected’ by United States and Donald Trump suffers heartbreaking end to World Cup appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.