Belgium

• Over 30 million viewers tuned in to watch the U.S. men's national soccer team face Belgium in a World Cup knockout stage match on Monday night in Seattle. • The game was broadcast by Fox, drawing a massive audience that underscores the growing popularity of the sport within the United States. • This surge in viewership is significant as it sparks broader debates regarding the future growth and commercial potential of American soccer.

• The U.S. Men's National Team suffered a disappointing loss to Belgium during the World Cup, failing to meet the high expectations of many domestic fans. • Despite the defeat, the tournament highlighted the growth of soccer in the U.S., fueled by star players like Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, and Weston McKennie who compete in top European leagues. • The event mirrors the impact of the 1994 World Cup by increasing national interest through high-quality play and the presence of international fans in U.S. cities.

• The U.S. national team's round of 16 World Cup match against Belgium became the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history, according to preliminary ratings released by Fox on Tuesday. • The high-stakes game took place on Monday, July 6, 2026, drawing massive viewership across the country and sparking large celebrations at venues like the Rockefeller Center fan village in New York. • This record-breaking viewership highlights the surging popularity of soccer within the United States and the significant cultural impact of the World Cup.

• European lawmakers are calling for a formal investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding his conduct and external influences. • The probe centers on concerns that Infantino may have had improper contact with Donald Trump to allow U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to play in a match against Belgium despite a red card. • This development highlights ongoing scrutiny over transparency and potential political interference within FIFA's disciplinary processes.

• The United States' round of 16 match against Belgium at the FIFA World Cup has become the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history, according to preliminary ratings from Fox. • While the game drew record-breaking viewership, the U.S. team ultimately suffered a loss to Belgium. • The high-stakes match also triggered betting records, resulting in significant profits for gambling houses.

• Belgium advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals after defeating the USA 4-1 in Seattle, with goals from Charles De Ketelaere (2), Hans Vanaken, and Romelu Lukaku. • The victory secures Belgium a high-stakes quarter-final matchup against Spain. • The match was overshadowed by controversy surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's reported intervention regarding a red card given to Folarin Balogun.

Fans across Belgium watched 4-1 win in early hoursVictory ‘a real slap in the face for Trump and Infantino’Belgium fans reacted with jubilation after the national team trounced the USA in a World Cup game that was overshadowed by the controversy over Donald Trump’s lobbying to overturn the suspension of the striker Falorin Balogun.Belgium’s prime minister, Bart De Wever, has yet to comment on the national team’s triumph, but the official Instagram account of his cat offered a sardonic, albeit indirect sign of satisfaction. Maximus, De Wever’s beloved cat, was shown lying on a rug holding a soft toy in the image of the US president. “I slept really well last night. And you?” reads the speech bubble in Dutch. Continue reading...