Rangers star Nicolas Raskin is currently on top of the world after helping guide Belgium into the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and he could not resist a cheeky dig at the tournament’s host nation on his way through.
The Light Blues midfielder put in an exceptional shift in the engine room as the Red Devils put the United States to the sword with a ruthless 4-1 demolition in the round of 16.
In front of a heavily partisan American crowd at Seattle Stadium, Belgium completely silenced the home support to book their spot in the last eight.
Following the final whistle, a delighted Raskin took straight to Instagram to celebrate the victory with a playful jab at the terminology used across the Atlantic.
Sharing a picture of himself celebrating on the pitch among others, Raskin captioned the post: “Soccer – Football! Quarter finals, here we come.”, with the word soccer struck out.
Nico Raskin is making a name for himself on the international stage! 😍
If he is to leave Rangers, how much should he be sold for?
Ianis Hagi approves of the banter
The eternal debate over whether the beautiful game should be called “soccer” or “football” is one of the internet’s favourite battlegrounds, and Raskin’s post-match trolling immediately blew up in the comments section.
Among the thousands of fans reacting to the post was none other than former Rangers playmaker Ianis Hagi.
The Romania international, who shared a strong relationship with Raskin during his time at Ibrox, was clearly highly amused by the midfielder’s witty put-down of the USMNT, replying: “Caption on point.”
The public backing from his former teammate shows the strong dressing room bonds Raskin maintains, even as his focus shifts entirely to conquering the global stage with his country.
Apart from Hagi, current Rangers players Mohamed Diomande, Djeidi Gassama and Tochi Chukwuani were also among those who reacted to the post.
Rangers man inspires Belgium progress
While the post-match social media will make headlines, Raskin’s performance on the pitch was anything but a joke.
The Ibrox star has grown in stature throughout the tournament, and his tactical discipline in midfield was vital in suffocating the American attack.
Which Rangers star will fare the best at the World Cup?
The Gers have six players at the tournament.
A masterclass double from Charles De Ketelaere, alongside strikes from Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku, sealed the dominant 4-1 win, rendering former Rangers loanee Malik Tillman’s first-half free-kick a mere consolation for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Raskin was substituted to a standing ovation from the travelling Belgium contingent in the 89th minute, his job safely done.
Next up for the in-demand Rangers star is a blockbuster quarter-final showdown against Spain in Los Angeles on Friday.
If Raskin keeps performing at this level – and keeping his caption game sharp – Rangers fans will have plenty more to celebrate as the tournament reaches its business end.
