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U.S. faces Belgium tonight as World Cup controversy overshadows knockout stage

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The FIFA World Cup Round of 16 continues today with two marquee matches, but much of the attention has shifted from the field to FIFA’s decision to allow U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium after suspending his automatic one-match ban.

Balogun had been sent off in the United States’ victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA placed his suspension on a one-year probationary period after reviewing the case. Reuters reported President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reconsider the decision. The move drew criticism from Belgium, which argued it contradicts the tournament’s disciplinary rules, while Germany’s football federation called for FIFA to explain its actions.

The U.S. will try to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 when it faces Belgium at 8 p.m. ET in Seattle. Earlier today, Portugal meets Spain at 3 p.m. ET in Dallas in one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches.

Both games will be televised on Fox and streamed on Fox One, with Spanish-language coverage available on Peacock.

Sunday’s Round of 16 action produced another major upset as England rallied past Mexico, 3-2, to advance. Norway also stunned Brazil to reach the quarterfinals.

Baseball roundup

The Phillies missed an opportunity to gain ground in the National League East, falling 5-2 to the Royals. Philadelphia (50-40) remains three games behind division-leading Atlanta after the Braves dropped a wild 10-9 decision to the Mets.

The Orioles also came up short, losing 3-2 to the Reds. Baltimore (42-49) remains fourth in the American League East, 12 games behind the first-place Rays.

Pittsburgh continued its recent strong play with an 11-5 victory over the Nationals. The Pirates remain in fourth place in the National League Central,10½ games behind Milwaukee, but vying for at least a Wild Card spot. The Brewers edged Arizona 3-2 to maintain their division lead.

The loss dropped Washington to 46-45, leaving the Nationals 7½ games behind Atlanta in the National League East, but likewise Wild Card-competitive.

Elsewhere Sunday, the Twins defeated the Yankees 6-1, the Cubs topped the Cardinals 6-4, the Padres beat the Dodgers 5-2, the Tigers downed the Rangers 6-3, the Astros blanked the Rays 2-0, the Marlins edged the Athletics 9-8, the Rockies outlasted the Giants 7-6, the Mariners shut out the Blue Jays 4-0, the White Sox nipped the Guardians 7-6, and the Red Sox defeated the Angels 7-5.

Source: MLB, Yahoo!Sports, Reuters

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