FIFA suspended two U.S.Soccer Federation officials, Sam Zapatka and Frank Pannell, from Monday's World Cup match against Belgium due to alleged protocol violations.The suspensions were linked to incidents during the U.S.team's previous victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, where staff allegedly entered restricted areas.Despite the suspensions, the U.S.men's team lost 4-1 to Belgium, ending their 2026 World Cup campaign.Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals, set to face Spain.The U.S.

Soccer Federation did not specify the exact nature of the violations, emphasizing they were unrelated to the appeal process surrounding star player Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension.

President Trump reportedly discussed the controversial red card with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, though the suspensions were not tied to this incident.The decision highlights ongoing tensions between U.S.Soccer and FIFA over protocol adherence during high-stakes matches.