The United States’ World Cup dreams at home came to a crashing halt Monday night in Seattle, as Belgium dismantled the Americans 4-1 to advance to the quarterfinals. Charles De Ketelaere was the standout performer for Belgium, netting two goals and setting up another, as American defenders made costly errors in the first half. Goalkeeper Matt Freese then committed a blunder that gifted Belgium a third goal early in the second half. Romelu Lukaku put the finishing touch on the victory with a goal in stoppage time.
Much of the pregame attention had centered on U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, whose one-match red-card suspension — earned during the win over Bosnia-Herzegovina — was controversially overturned by FIFA after U.S. President Donald Trump personally intervened on his behalf. The 25-year-old, who had scored three times in the tournament, ultimately had minimal impact on the match, though he did contribute to the setup of the Americans’ only goal. FIFA’s decision to reinstate Balogun drew sharp criticism from European soccer officials, who raised concerns about the integrity of the competition.
In Geneva, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that he received a phone call from President Trump following the Bosnia-Herzegovina match, before Balogun was cleared to face Belgium. The reversal of the suspension on Sunday sparked a day of controversy off the pitch, with soccer leaders across Europe questioning whether FIFA had compromised the tournament’s credibility.
In Arlington, Texas, Spain ended the legendary World Cup career of Cristiano Ronaldo, defeating Portugal 1-0 thanks to a goal from Mikel Merino in the opening minute of second-half stoppage time. Merino had just been fouled when he quickly put the ball back into play, received a pass from Ferran Torres, and slotted it past goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Spain reached the quarterfinals for the first time since claiming its only World Cup title back in 2010 in South Africa. The Spanish side will face either the United States or Belgium on Friday in Inglewood, California.
For Ronaldo, the 41-year-old superstar, it was a quiet and somber exit from what he confirmed the day before would be his final World Cup appearance. He had been denied a goal in the first half by an outstanding save from goalkeeper Unai Simón. Walking off the field, Ronaldo acknowledged the crowd with a brief wave but showed little emotion, departing with what he described as a clear conscience after his sixth and final World Cup campaign.
Over at Wimbledon in London, Italy had plenty to celebrate Monday as both Flavio Cobolli and Jasmine Paolini punched their tickets to the quarterfinals. Cobolli delivered an impressive 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory over fifth-seeded Alex de Minaur, continuing the momentum he built with his run to the French Open final. Paolini defeated Alexandra Eala 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, returning to the Grand Slam quarterfinals for the first time since back-to-back finals appearances at Roland Garros and Wimbledon two years ago. Italian Formula One points leader Kimi Antonelli was watching from the Royal Box. Defending champion Jannik Sinner is set to play Tuesday.
In the NBA, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic reaffirmed Monday that he wants to spend his entire career in Denver, though he plans to hold off on signing a contract extension until next summer. The three-time MVP made the comments after helping Serbia defeat Bosnia-Herzegovina in a FIBA World Cup qualifying match in Belgrade, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. By waiting until next summer to sign, Jokic would be eligible for a five-year supermax deal worth approximately $350 million.
In Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo opened up about the emotions surrounding his trade from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat — the first team change of his NBA career. In a video posted Monday, the two-time MVP spoke with former Bucks broadcaster Jim Paschke, admitting he is “scared that the grass is not always greener.” Still, the 10-time All-Star said the fear of finishing his career with regrets ultimately pushed him to take the leap and pursue a better shot at winning another championship.
Finally, in Washington, NHL goal-scoring record holder Alex Ovechkin returned to the spotlight — but not with a retirement announcement. Ovechkin, who only committed last week to playing another season with the Washington Capitals, remained noncommittal about whether this upcoming year will be his last. He revealed his wife suggested he play “one more year, or maybe two years, I don’t know,” leaving fans without a definitive answer about when the hockey legend plans to hang up his skates.
