Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin noted his squad sensed unfair treatment after Fifa lifted the one-match ban on United States striker Folarin Balogun right before their World Cup last-16 fixture.

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

Yet Fifa chose on Sunday to pause the automatic suspension for a full year, drawing sharp criticism from Uefa, Belgium and England manager Thomas Tuchel among others.

US President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that he had urged Fifa to examine the ban, arguing it would cast a major shadow over the event if enforced.

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

"Much has unfolded off the field in recent days," said Belgium and Rangers midfielder Raskin.

"The squad carried a feeling of unfairness and we aimed to answer that through our performance on the pitch."

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans confirmed the episode had energized the group.

"We reminded ourselves to reply through our play, and that is exactly what occurred," he stated.

Following their fourth goal, several Belgium players celebrated with movements echoing the 'Trump dance' that featured hip sways and measured arm pumps during the 2024 US election campaign.

The Belgium national team Instagram account joined the response by sharing an image of striker Romelu Lukaku holding a hand to his ear alongside the words "overturn this".

Trump stated on Sunday that the world governing body had chosen correctly, noting the ban would have created a significant blemish on the tournament.

Addressing reporters at the White House on Monday, he explained he requested Fifa review the call since he viewed the incident as no foul.

He confirmed contact with Fifa president Gianni Infantino but stressed he only sought a review and did not demand the ban be lifted.

Trump added: "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 of its objection to Balogun's eligibility.

The RBFA lodged an appeal, yet a Fifa panel ruled Belgium held no standing since they had not participated in the original case and served only as the next opponent.

England coach Tuchel warned the decision established a risky example, while Uefa stated that stepping in to nullify a tournament suspension had crossed a clear 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 prior instance allowed a player to avoid suspension.

That case involved Brazil's Garrincha in 1962, before automatic bans took effect.