Iran’s national football team took a playful dig at the United States on Tuesday. The jab came right after Belgium thrashed the co-hosts 4-1 in the Round of 16.
Iran’s official account shared an Instagram Story showing Belgium’s win over USA. The post also featured Belgium’s earlier goalless draw against Iran in the group stage. The caption read simply, “Dance with me!”
The post spread quickly across social media within hours. Many fans read it as a light jab at USA’s early exit.
Belgium had already stirred things up before Iran’s post appeared. The Red Devils shared their own Instagram Story reading “Overturn this.” The caption appeared to mock USA following their commanding win.
Belgium’s team also poked fun at America’s football naming debate. They wrote “It’s called soccer FOOTBALL” in a cheeky post on X.
The match itself unfolded at Seattle Stadium on Monday night. Belgium controlled large portions of the game from start to finish. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and earned Player of the Match honors.
Hans Vanaken added his first-ever World Cup goal during the contest. Malik Tillman gave USA fans hope with a deflected free-kick equalizer. However, a costly error by goalkeeper Matt Freese swung momentum back to Belgium.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku sealed the result with a stoppage-time strike. The goal marked his third straight World Cup match with a goal.
USA’s loss ended their tournament run as co-hosts of the event. They became the last of three host nations eliminated this year. Canada and Mexico had already exited the competition earlier.
Belgium will next face Spain in the quarterfinals on July 10. Spain reached that stage after eliminating Portugal in the Round of 16.
The win came shortly after FIFA rejected Belgium’s challenge before the match. Belgium had questioned Folarin Balogun’s eligibility to play in the fixture. FIFA had suspended Balogun’s one-match ban ahead of the Round of 16 clash.