The match between the US and Belgium became a focal point at the 2026 World Cup due to controversies surrounding the red card Balogun received in the round of 32 match against Bosnia & Herzegovina. According to regulations, any player sent off must miss one match. However, after a call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to suspend the penalty, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium.

Despite Balogun's presence, the host team could not avoid a heavy defeat, missing the chance to reach the quarterfinals for the second time in their World Cup history.

US striker Folarin Balogun (left) speaks with coach Rudi Garcia after the US lost to Belgium 1-4 in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, at Seattle, US on 6/7. *Reuters*.

Immediately after the match at Seattle, Balogun proactively approached coach Rudi Garcia. Garcia had sarcastically commented on FIFA's decision at the pre-match press conference, likening "5/7 at FIFA to April Fool's Day on 1/4".

The two spoke for quite a while in the middle of the field. Coach Garcia showed sympathy for Balogun, putting an arm around his shoulder and patting his back in encouragement. He affirmed he held no grudge, instead praising the US player's mature attitude. "I really liked that Balogun proactively came to talk. I appreciate his goodwill," Garcia said. "I told him that what happened was not his fault. He cannot be blamed".

The coach, born in 1964, also denied that Belgium used the commotion surrounding Balogun as motivation for the round of 16 match. He stressed the importance of a game plan and showing character against a dynamic, energetic opponent. Belgium kept stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Jeremy Doku on the bench, yet capitalized on every lapse in concentration from their opponent to score four goals.

Decisions by US leadership and FIFA placed Balogun in an awkward situation. The Monaco striker admitted that a reversed decision was controversial, but he emphasized that a player's responsibility is to fulfill their duties on the field rather than get involved in resolving such issues. "I accepted the red card decision, and I also accepted the decision to continue playing," Balogun stated. "I am disappointed that we couldn't beat Belgium. But they were a much better team".

The incident drew significant criticism. The British newspaper Guardian likened the situation involving Balogun "to a Pandora's box containing a nightmare for the US". US women's soccer legend Carli Lloyd stated that her team "had lost before the match even began".

However, coach Mauricio Pochettino denied that the Balogun incident was related to the national team's defeat. He also expressed annoyance that the incident was being politicized and used to manipulate a coach's work, while the US national team had done nothing wrong.

"My position is to coach football. If you have Balogun in the squad because the FIFA Disciplinary Committee allowed it, then that's not a problem," the Argentine coach said. "I am very disappointed with many people. They confuse everything, bringing politics and manipulation into it, and then talk about ethics and integrity".

The defeat to Belgium made the US the last host nation to exit the tournament, after Mexico lost to England 2-3 and Canada lost to Morocco 0-3, both in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals to face Spain.

Trung Thu (according to Goal)