In the wake of a heated Round of 16 World Cup match, the atmosphere among Belgian nationals in Washington, D.C., has shifted from contentious to celebratory. Despite lingering disputes from sports authorities back in Belgium, local fans have decidedly moved on.

The controversy centered around American striker Folarin Balogun, whose red-card suspension was controversially lifted by FIFA just before the crucial game against Belgium. This decision, heavily influenced by pressure from the White House, was met with fierce criticism and allegations of political interference. President Donald Trump was quick to claim credit for the reversal, which led the Royal Belgian Football Association to challenge FIFA's decision, citing undue political influence.

However, Michael McCusker, a Brussels native now living in Washington, brushed off the significance of the incident on the game's outcome. "I don’t think it had any impact on the game,” McCusker stated. “The USA were terrible.”

Even with Balogun on the field, Belgium dominated the match, never once losing the lead. This robust performance brought immense joy to Belgian fans in the U.S. capital. Margo Vandenbroucke, from Leuven and currently working at the International Monetary Fund, shared her elation. “I woke up that morning feeling really good,” she said. “Walking into work and receiving applause from everyone was the best way to show that it didn’t matter.”

While fans in Washington have turned the page, the controversy continues to simmer in Brussels. Recently, 72 members of the European Parliament have demanded an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s relationship with Trump and whether it improperly influenced the disciplinary decision regarding Balogun.

The call for a probe highlights the ongoing concerns about the integrity of international football governance. Yet, for Belgians in D.C., the victory over the U.S. has served as the perfect retort, proving that on the field, only the game should speak.