Chicago fans get ready for USA vs. Belgium in World Cup knockout match for quarterfinal spot; watch party in Daley Plaza

Fans of all ages are getting ready for Monday night's game against Belgium for a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals. 

It's no secret the tournament has meant a huge boost for businesses, and Monday night may be the biggest night yet for Recess in Fulton Market. It's been packed to the brim for each game – not just for the U.S. Men's National Team.

The restaurant has been crowded since 2 p.m. when the Portugal vs. Spain match began. USA fans have been here hours before kickoff.

In Chicago, a city enthusiastic for soccer and with supporters from around the world, these spots have worked hard to capitalize on the World Cup. Restaurants are catering to the big crowds and extending hours on game days.

Recess said they're doing double the amount of sales compared to the same time last year; other bars and restaurants we spoke to said the same.

And while fans are celebrating the U.S. Men's National Team's run, many are also reacting to FIFA's decision to lift a suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun after his red card. President Trump says he had nothing to do with the decision, but only suggested that the play be reviewed.

It's a move that hasn't been seen since 1962 and has renewed questions about whether politics should influence the sport.

"In the eyes of the world, no matter what happens, every goal. Every game they win, maybe tonight and afterwards, we'll have a stigma," said Roger Bennett, British-American broadcaster.

"I think it's great we're going to have one of our best players come in," said Toula Georgakopoulos of Recess. "How it happened, that's definitely outside my wheelhouse, but I'm just happy we're going to see a great game."

"I'm like, if this gets appealed, every other country is not going to be happy, but the Americans will be," said fan William Mehring.

"I don't think that's fair if you gave it. I don't think it should be reversed. I think he should miss the game against Belgium," said Dahoud Hamad.

Along with bars and restaurants, the city of Chicago is hosting a watch party for the match in Daley Plaza. Gates open at 6 p.m. Small bags, blankets, strollers and lawn chairs are allowed, and people are encouraged to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy.

Alcohol, illegal substances, weapons, gas containers and grills and open flames are all prohibited.

The city said W. Washington, N. Clark and W. Dearborn streets bordering the plaza will all be closed starting at 6 p.m. because of the watch party. Drivers should seek alternate routes.

The U.S. and Belgium play in Seattle at 7 p.m. CT Monday.   

Crown Point soccer camp has World Cup fever

Some of the team's tiniest fans are at Next Generation Soccer Training and education Center in Crown Point, Indiana.

The World Cup has coincided with their summer camp for 4- to 7-year-olds. Owner Andy Bridgman said calls and social media inquiries have definitely increased over the past few weeks while the World Cup games are going on.

The sport is exploding Northwest Indiana, forcing Next Gen to find a new home. Their facility breaks ground next week and will be four times the size of their current one.

Older kids come to Next Gen for one-on-one training and to develop as players. How much more obsessed are they now that they're watching their favorite sport on a world stage?

"I've watched every game. It's been really good and it helps me understand what moves to do and what all those people do," said 11-year-old Morgan McGoldrick. "I dream to actually be on one of the games like in World Cup or somewhere professional in soccer."

The field at Next Gen has been pulling double headers: a spot to train in the morning and a spot to view the World Cup games in the evening.

Folarin Balogun's red car suspension lifted, Belgian appeal rejected

Soccer leaders questioned the World Cup's integrity on a chaotic and unprecedented day in the event's modern history Monday.

The furor centered on a phone call that President Donald Trump made last week to FIFA head Gianni Infantino to make the case that U.S. striker Folarin Balogun should not have been suspended for Monday's matchup with Belgium because of a red card penalty in a game last week. FIFA lifted the suspension and cleared Balogun to play.

The decision appeared to be the first time since 1962 that punishment for a World Cup offense was suspended in the tournament, increasing scrutiny on Infantino's control of FIFA and his close association with Trump.

The European soccer governing body UEFA said FIFA "crossed a red line" and called Sunday's decision by FIFA's disciplinary committee "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable." Infantino denied having a role in the decision. Trump called it a "horrible" call and took credit for getting FIFA to review the foul, but said he did not demand an outcome.

FIFA's appeals committee dismissed Belgium's legal challenge less than eight hours before scheduled kickoff of the round of 16 match in Seattle. The appellate panel said Belgium had no standing to challenge the decision.

It was unclear whether Belgium could pursue an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.

Balogun's red card was assessed by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent's ankle last Wednesday during the Americans' 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-game suspension. Claus did not initially issue a red card but showed it after a video review.

FIFA's disciplinary committee on Sunday provisionally lifted the suspension for one year.