Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin explained that his team experienced a strong sense of unfairness when Fifa suspended the one-match ban on United States striker Folarin Balogun just before their World Cup last-16 encounter.

Balogun, aged 25, looked set to sit out the fixture in Seattle after receiving a straight red card for a challenge on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic during the prior round.

Yet Fifa lifted the automatic suspension for 12 months on Sunday, sparking broad criticism from Uefa, Belgium and England manager Thomas Tuchel, who all voiced opposition to the call.

On Monday United States President Donald Trump revealed he had urged Fifa to examine Balogun's ban, claiming it would have created a major blemish on the competition.

Even with the American forward cleared and starting, Belgium secured a convincing 4-1 victory over the co-hosts.

"Much occurred away from the pitch in recent days," noted Belgium and Rangers midfielder Raskin.

"The squad felt a sense of injustice and we aimed to answer that through our performance on the pitch."

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans confirmed the episode had energized his teammates.

"We decided we needed to reply through our play, and that is exactly what happened," he stated.

Following their fourth goal several Belgium players performed a dance resembling the 'Trump dance', characterized by hip movements and slow arm pumps that became prominent during the 2024 US presidential campaign.

The official Instagram account of the Belgium national team also appeared to reference the situation mockingly by sharing an image of striker Romelu Lukaku holding his ear alongside the text "overturn this".

On Sunday Trump stated that football's governing body had chosen correctly, noting that enforcing the ban would have left a significant mark on the event.

Addressing reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump explained he had requested Fifa review the matter because he viewed the incident as not constituting a foul.

He confirmed contact with Fifa president Gianni Infantino but stressed he had only sought a review and had not instructed the Swiss official to lift the suspension.

Trump continued: "I believe the suspension would have created a major issue. I cannot direct their actions. I do not think they decided it; rather the commission reached that conclusion. And it proved the correct outcome."

Ahead of the match the Royal Belgian Football Association expressed astonishment at the suspension lift and informed the United States Soccer Federation that it challenged Balogun's eligibility for the game.

The RBFA lodged an appeal but a Fifa panel ruled Belgium lacked standing since they were not part of the original incident and served only as the next opponent.

England coach Tuchel described the decision as establishing a risky example, while Uefa argued that stepping in to nullify a tournament suspension had crossed an important boundary.

England defender Jarell Quansah received a red card during his team's 3-2 victory over Mexico in the last 16.

"The key question remains where to set the boundary," Tuchel remarked. "I lack a clear response."

Among 189 other red cards issued at the World Cup only one player previously avoided a ban.

That instance involved Brazil's Garrincha in 1962, prior to the introduction of automatic suspensions.