2 hours ago
Belgium took the wind out of the United States men's national team's sails this summer during the 2026 World Cup. Before that humbling 4-1 defeat in the Round of 16, a controversial decision from FIFA effectively made the USMNT an enemy, at least according to Belgium defender Thomas Meunier.
The 35-year-old Meunier, who has 83 caps for Belgium and just represented the country in his third World Cup, explained to The Athletic that, because of head-turning call to suspend Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension, "everyone wanted us to beat America."
"Everyone wanted them to be eliminated," he added more than two months after the July 6 match, per The Athletic.
Balogun himself has admitted that, even though he was relieved to be on the pitch for the knockout match, hearing that he'd be part of the squad was bittersweet.
"My initial reaction was I was happy to be back in the team, but when I kind of started to reflect, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy, and I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves because it's something that's so unique," Balogun told "CBS Mornings" in July.
#meunier #july #balogun
The 35-year-old Meunier, who has 83 caps for Belgium and just represented the country in his third World Cup, explained to The Athletic that, because of head-turning call to suspend Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension, "everyone wanted us to beat America."
"Everyone wanted them to be eliminated," he added more than two months after the July 6 match, per The Athletic.
Balogun himself has admitted that, even though he was relieved to be on the pitch for the knockout match, hearing that he'd be part of the squad was bittersweet.
"My initial reaction was I was happy to be back in the team, but when I kind of started to reflect, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy, and I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves because it's something that's so unique," Balogun told "CBS Mornings" in July.
#meunier #july #balogun
9 days ago
Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Le Bris confirmed Habib Diarra will be sidelined for around six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury: "It's frustrating, but we have to manage it and we will find solutions... It's a shame because I was so pleased with his pre-season and he's getting more mature about his game, about clarity on the pitch, about his qualities and how they fit with the demand of the Premier League."
On Sunderland's transfer window: "We ticked our three boxes. The first one with Kevin Danso and Thomas Meunier - top level experience. The second one with Malick Fofana and Dayann Methalie - young with proven experience. The third one is for the huge potential prospects with Juan Riquelme Angulo and Jules Ahoka. We have to manage the different positions because it's already a big challenge. In the end, we are happy."
On a potential move for Chemsdine Talbi to Turkey: "A move remains possible so it's important to respect both parties. We'll see. He's still a good player, huge potential, but after that you still have a window to decide if it's the right pathway here. I believe he can succeed here, but after that, it's a question of mutual confidence and you have to respect the player's choice."
#bris #game #huge
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Le Bris confirmed Habib Diarra will be sidelined for around six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury: "It's frustrating, but we have to manage it and we will find solutions... It's a shame because I was so pleased with his pre-season and he's getting more mature about his game, about clarity on the pitch, about his qualities and how they fit with the demand of the Premier League."
On Sunderland's transfer window: "We ticked our three boxes. The first one with Kevin Danso and Thomas Meunier - top level experience. The second one with Malick Fofana and Dayann Methalie - young with proven experience. The third one is for the huge potential prospects with Juan Riquelme Angulo and Jules Ahoka. We have to manage the different positions because it's already a big challenge. In the end, we are happy."
On a potential move for Chemsdine Talbi to Turkey: "A move remains possible so it's important to respect both parties. We'll see. He's still a good player, huge potential, but after that you still have a window to decide if it's the right pathway here. I believe he can succeed here, but after that, it's a question of mutual confidence and you have to respect the player's choice."
#bris #game #huge
2 months ago
Sunderland have signed Belgium defender Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal following his departure from French side Lille.
The 34-year-old has made more than 550 senior club appearances and previously had spells with Club Brugge, Paris St-Germain, where he won three league ****** les, Borussia Dortmund and Turkish side Trabzonspor.
He also has 83 international caps and played for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
Meunier is the Black Cats' first signing of the season after the departures of forward Eliezer Mayenda and midfielder Dan Neil.
"We are delighted to welcome Thomas to Sunderland," said director of football Florent Ghisolfi.
The 34-year-old has made more than 550 senior club appearances and previously had spells with Club Brugge, Paris St-Germain, where he won three league ****** les, Borussia Dortmund and Turkish side Trabzonspor.
He also has 83 international caps and played for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
Meunier is the Black Cats' first signing of the season after the departures of forward Eliezer Mayenda and midfielder Dan Neil.
"We are delighted to welcome Thomas to Sunderland," said director of football Florent Ghisolfi.
2 months ago
Veteran Belgian defender Thomas Meunier said he was "hugely excited" to "begin a new chapter" after he signed for Premier League side Sunderland on a free transfer on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old -- one of Belgium's 'golden generation' whose last hurrah was a World Cup quarter-final exit to Spain -- signed a two-year contract.
The 83-times capped Meunier, who has played club football at the top level in his homeland, Germany, Turkey and France, had been at Ligue 1 side Lille.
"I am hugely excited and honoured to join Sunderland," said Meunier in a statement on the Sunderland website.
"I'm very happy to be here and to begin this new chapter in my career.
The 34-year-old -- one of Belgium's 'golden generation' whose last hurrah was a World Cup quarter-final exit to Spain -- signed a two-year contract.
The 83-times capped Meunier, who has played club football at the top level in his homeland, Germany, Turkey and France, had been at Ligue 1 side Lille.
"I am hugely excited and honoured to join Sunderland," said Meunier in a statement on the Sunderland website.
"I'm very happy to be here and to begin this new chapter in my career.
2 months ago
Sunderland have announced the signing of Belgium international Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal.
The defender joins the Black Cats on a free transfer after having spent the last two seasons in France with Lille.
"I am hugely excited and honoured to join Sunderland," the 34-year-old said on his arrival.
"I'm very happy to be here and to begin this new chapter in my career. The Premier League is one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world, and it's a challenge I've wanted to experience.
"When I spoke with the club, I was impressed by the ambition, the project and the desire to keep moving forward. Competing in Europe was also a big factor in my decision because, as a player, you always want to test yourself against the best teams and compete for trophies."
The defender joins the Black Cats on a free transfer after having spent the last two seasons in France with Lille.
"I am hugely excited and honoured to join Sunderland," the 34-year-old said on his arrival.
"I'm very happy to be here and to begin this new chapter in my career. The Premier League is one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world, and it's a challenge I've wanted to experience.
"When I spoke with the club, I was impressed by the ambition, the project and the desire to keep moving forward. Competing in Europe was also a big factor in my decision because, as a player, you always want to test yourself against the best teams and compete for trophies."
2 months ago
Love it, and not just because he was a FIFA star for me six years ago.
More offensively skilled than Trai Hume without being a defensive liability, he provides depth and tactical flexibility to Régis Le Bris at a good price.
For me, though, the most important cascading affect is this potentially moves Nordi Mukiele centrally more consistently. He was certainly our best right back last year but the last couple of games reinforced to me that he is definitely our best centre back.
With one player, Sunderland has strengthened two positions and I’d love for Florent Ghisolfi to do something similar on the left. Sign a young, starting left back with Reinildo the ‘depth option’ at left back and left centre back.
Meunier has reached the pinnacles of European football throughout his career, playing ninety one European games and featuring for some of Europe’s biggest teams in PSG and Borussia Dortmund.
More offensively skilled than Trai Hume without being a defensive liability, he provides depth and tactical flexibility to Régis Le Bris at a good price.
For me, though, the most important cascading affect is this potentially moves Nordi Mukiele centrally more consistently. He was certainly our best right back last year but the last couple of games reinforced to me that he is definitely our best centre back.
With one player, Sunderland has strengthened two positions and I’d love for Florent Ghisolfi to do something similar on the left. Sign a young, starting left back with Reinildo the ‘depth option’ at left back and left centre back.
Meunier has reached the pinnacles of European football throughout his career, playing ninety one European games and featuring for some of Europe’s biggest teams in PSG and Borussia Dortmund.
2 months ago
Sunderland look set to announce the signing of former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund right-back Thomas Meunier on a free transfer following his release from Lille at the end of his contract this summer.
The 34-year-old, who made three appearances for Belgium at the World Cup and bagged two **** ists, has a proven track record of playing at the very highest level, and joins Sunderland at probably the most exciting time in our history.
Fans of Lutsharel Geertruida may not want to hear this, but bringing in someone of Meunier’s ability to add extra strength in depth to our defence seems a more sensible option, particularly when resources will be needed in other areas of the pitch to ensure we can bring in genuine top-class players. Signing a player of Meunier’s calibre on a free seems a sensible and logical move on paper.
I see very few downsides when it comes to this transfer, to be honest.
One of the most interesting aspects of this transfer to me is that it’s a great example of how having the lure of European football will help us to pip other clubs to good players this summer.
The 34-year-old, who made three appearances for Belgium at the World Cup and bagged two **** ists, has a proven track record of playing at the very highest level, and joins Sunderland at probably the most exciting time in our history.
Fans of Lutsharel Geertruida may not want to hear this, but bringing in someone of Meunier’s ability to add extra strength in depth to our defence seems a more sensible option, particularly when resources will be needed in other areas of the pitch to ensure we can bring in genuine top-class players. Signing a player of Meunier’s calibre on a free seems a sensible and logical move on paper.
I see very few downsides when it comes to this transfer, to be honest.
One of the most interesting aspects of this transfer to me is that it’s a great example of how having the lure of European football will help us to pip other clubs to good players this summer.
2 months ago
The United States Men’s National Team continues to advance at the 2026 World Cup, having taken down Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 by a 2-0 margin. The tournament field continues to narrow, and the opponents grow more daunting, with Belgium hoping to spoil the co-hosts’ party and advance to the quarterfinal. The European program is looking to improve on a third-place finish in 2018, which would be quite the welcome surprise well after a golden generation. Seattle, Washington’s Lumen Field – a 72,000-seat multi-purpose stadium with a temporary stitched natural grass surface – hosts the fixture.
This is the eighth all-time meeting between the two nations, with the USMNT carrying a 1-6-0 record and falling in the most recent match, a friendly defeat (2-5) in March. Ranked 10th internationally by FIFA, Belgium reached the World Cup by finishing atop UEFA’s Group J of qualifying with a 5-0-3 record, besting Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein. At the current competition, the Red Devils claimed Group G with draws against Egypt (1-1) and Iran (0-0) and a victory over New Zealand (5-1) before requiring extra time and a fortuitous penalty to top Senegal (3-2) in the Round of 32.
Rudi Garcia was appointed to lead the program in January 2025, his first international gig after leading a variety of club sides including Lille, Roma, Marseille, Lyon, Al Nassr, and Napoli. The 62-year-old Frenchman believes that his squad is “very driven” and “aiming high” with the capacity to “achieve great things.” He has praised the “oldies” in his group, defending them against treatment as “has-beens.”
Garcia named a 26-player roster for the World Cup. The Belgian Pro League is home to three of the call-ups, while seven talents are on the books of Premier League clubs, five compete in Ligue 1, and five can be found in Serie A. Notable absences include Michy Batshuayi, Loïs Openda, Matz Sels, and Malick Fofana.
***
GOALKEEPERS (3): Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Strasbourg)
DEFENDERS (9): Zeno Debast (Sporting CP), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton & Hove Albion), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Koni De Winter (Milan), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Nathan Ngoy (Lille)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Axel Witsel (Girona), Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Diego Moreira (Strasbourg), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa)
FORWARDS (7): Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal), Jérémy Doku (Manchester City), Dodi Lukébakio (Benfica), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Alexis Saelemaekers (Milan), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille)
***
Garcia has utilized a few different formations but appears to be sticking to the 4-2-3-1/5-4-1 at the World Cup, with a traditional midfielder dropped into the back line when defending. The squad engages in a total press that “force
This is the eighth all-time meeting between the two nations, with the USMNT carrying a 1-6-0 record and falling in the most recent match, a friendly defeat (2-5) in March. Ranked 10th internationally by FIFA, Belgium reached the World Cup by finishing atop UEFA’s Group J of qualifying with a 5-0-3 record, besting Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein. At the current competition, the Red Devils claimed Group G with draws against Egypt (1-1) and Iran (0-0) and a victory over New Zealand (5-1) before requiring extra time and a fortuitous penalty to top Senegal (3-2) in the Round of 32.
Rudi Garcia was appointed to lead the program in January 2025, his first international gig after leading a variety of club sides including Lille, Roma, Marseille, Lyon, Al Nassr, and Napoli. The 62-year-old Frenchman believes that his squad is “very driven” and “aiming high” with the capacity to “achieve great things.” He has praised the “oldies” in his group, defending them against treatment as “has-beens.”
Garcia named a 26-player roster for the World Cup. The Belgian Pro League is home to three of the call-ups, while seven talents are on the books of Premier League clubs, five compete in Ligue 1, and five can be found in Serie A. Notable absences include Michy Batshuayi, Loïs Openda, Matz Sels, and Malick Fofana.
***
GOALKEEPERS (3): Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Strasbourg)
DEFENDERS (9): Zeno Debast (Sporting CP), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton & Hove Albion), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Koni De Winter (Milan), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Nathan Ngoy (Lille)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Axel Witsel (Girona), Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Diego Moreira (Strasbourg), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa)
FORWARDS (7): Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal), Jérémy Doku (Manchester City), Dodi Lukébakio (Benfica), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Alexis Saelemaekers (Milan), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille)
***
Garcia has utilized a few different formations but appears to be sticking to the 4-2-3-1/5-4-1 at the World Cup, with a traditional midfielder dropped into the back line when defending. The squad engages in a total press that “force
3 months ago
New Zealand and Belgium go head-to-head at BC Place this Saturday in the World Cup. The match will be broadcast live at 04:00 on BBC One.
In their last game, New Zealand lost 1-3 against Egypt (World Cup 2026). In their last outing, Belgium drew 0-0 against Iran (World Cup 2026).
New Zealand ( vs Egypt 2026-06-22): Max Crocombe, Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just, Chris Wood
Belgium ( vs Iran 2026-06-21): Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, Alexis Saelemaekers, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard, Romelu Lukaku
In their last game, New Zealand lost 1-3 against Egypt (World Cup 2026). In their last outing, Belgium drew 0-0 against Iran (World Cup 2026).
New Zealand ( vs Egypt 2026-06-22): Max Crocombe, Tim Payne, Finn Surman, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Callum McCowatt, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just, Chris Wood
Belgium ( vs Iran 2026-06-21): Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Meunier, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Nicolas Raskin, Youri Tielemans, Alexis Saelemaekers, Kevin De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard, Romelu Lukaku
