2 Team USA Staff Members Were Suspended for World Cup Game Against Belgium

FIFA has revealed that two Team USA staff members were suspended for the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium, which the US lost 4-1. Team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer Federation vice president of security Frank Pannell were both barred from the game. According to ESPN, the suspension was related to an incident during the round-of-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina involving the mishandling of FIFA match protocols and people being in unauthorized areas, though no physical altercation took place. The U.S. Soccer Federation confirmed the suspension was not related to forward Folarin Balogun's red card, which was controversially issued against Bosnia but later lifted after an appeal that involved President Donald Trump calling FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Despite the relief over Balogun's availability, the team's performance against Belgium was lackluster, with Balogun expressing deep disappointment. Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois felt the win was vindication after what he perceived as a lack of respect from the Americans.