Belgium rejects FIFA's training pitch in LA and moves to Galaxy's stadium ahead of Spain clash
RBFA turned down FIFA's designated training ground in Los Angeles and relocated to LA Galaxy's facilities. Tensions with the governing body are rising ahead of the quarter-final against Spain.
Belgium arrived in Los Angeles for the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals and wasted no time stirring up trouble with FIFA — this time, over the pitch.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) inspected the field at Loyola Marymount University, the venue designated by FIFA for training sessions, and did not like what they found. According to The Athletic, the Belgians concluded that the surface "did not meet the minimum required standards" and requested FIFA's permission to relocate. The request was granted: the delegation moved to LA Galaxy's training facilities in Carson.
The university pushed back immediately. In a statement, it insisted that Sullivan Field "is in excellent condition" and has already hosted "numerous professional sports teams." A clash of accounts — but it was Belgium who walked out.
This is not the first time the Belgians have locked horns with FIFA at this World Cup. After eliminating the United States 4–1 in the round of 16, the federation kept up its demand for an explanation over the reversal of Folarin Balogun's red card — a suspension that, had it stood, would have ruled the striker out of the match against Belgium itself. The RBFA pledged to keep pushing for "transparency," "equal treatment," and respect for the regulations.
The friction is real. And Spain, Friday's opponents at 4 p.m. (Brasília time), are watching it all from a distance — with the confidence of a side that enters the quarter-finals with the Golmetria model giving them nearly 30% chance of lifting the trophy.
Belgium may take the field with their heads full of grievances. Spain would prefer it that way.