2026 World Cup: Francesca Brienza’s Joy. Lady Garcia Savors Victory Over the U.S. and Trump: “Karma”
Francesca Brienza went on a social media rampage after Belgium’s decisive victory over the United States in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The match had been preceded by controversy over the overturning of striker Balogun’s suspension, which had sparked a geopolitical scandal.
Despite being sent off in the previous match against Bosnia, the American striker played as usual, but it wasn’t enough for the U.S., which was crushed by the Red Devils 4-1. On social media, the wife of head coach Rudi Garcia posted several photos and videos from Lumen Stadium: “Karma and cool heads! Back to Los Angeles,” she wrote, referring to the quarterfinal against Spain. After the match, Rudi Garcia went up to the stands to hug his wife and their young daughter Sofia, born in 2023.
On the field, Belgium had dominated from the very start. Timothy Castagne had already rattled U.S. goalkeeper Freese with a spectacular chance before Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring. The United States briefly tied the game with a free kick by Malik Tillman, but Belgium’s response was immediate, with De Ketelaere scoring twice. In the second half, Hans Vanaken—who came on for Amadou Onana, forced off due to a knee injury—capitalized on a major mistake by the American goalkeeper off an assist from De Ketelaere to make it 3-1, before Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory in the closing minutes.
Meanwhile, the Balogun case risks turning into a veritable Pandora’s box for FIFA. Following UEFA’s harsh criticism—which described the situation as “crossing a red line”—both England and France have announced their intention to file similar appeals. The Football Association is reportedly considering challenging the red card Jarrel Quansah received against Mexico so he’ll be available for the quarterfinals against Haaland’s Norway, while Les Bleus have already sent FIFA a formal request to overturn the yellow card Olise received against Paraguay.
