USA bids farewell to the World Cup: TRT commentator makes sensational Trump reference to FIFA

In the World Cup Round of 16, Belgium defeated host nation USA 4-1 to advance to the quarterfinals.

In the match officiated by Jordanian referees Adham Makhadmeh, Mohammad Al Kalaf, and Ahhmad Al Roalle, Belgium's goals were scored by Ketelaere in the 9th and 33rd minutes, Vanaken in the 57th minute, and Romelu Lukaku in the 90+3rd minute. The USA's only goal came from Tillman in the 31st minute.

Following this result, Belgium will face Spain in the quarterfinal match to be played in Los Angeles on July 10.

BALOGUN DECISION SPARKS CONTROVERSY

After the match, the focus of the agenda was US footballer Folarin Balogun. The fact that FIFA suspended the penalty of Balogun, who received a red card in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, for 1 year caused controversy.

Making a statement regarding the process, US President Donald Trump confirmed that he had spoken with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and used the following expressions:

"I requested a review because I didn't think it was a foul. This wasn't like someone punching someone else and hitting them in the face. I understand sports really well. That position was not a foul, it wouldn't even be considered a rule violation. I just expressed what I felt; I didn't tell him what to do, and I can't. I don't even believe he made the decision anyway; a board made the decision, and I think they made the right decision."

TRT COMMENTATOR'S CLOSING BECOMES A TALKING POINT

Özkan Öztürk, who called the match on TRT, also made a reference to the Balogun controversy after the final whistle.

pic.twitter.com/YwTeQpFG4F

— arşiv (@yakoarsiv) July 7, 2026

Öztürk concluded the broadcast with these words:

"And the match is over! Unless there is a change in the final minute, the USA has bid farewell to the tournament..."

News Source: 12punto