USMNT React to Folarin Balogun's Red-Card Controversy After Loss to Belgium in 2026 World Cup

Controversy erupted after FIFA suspended USMNT striker Folarin Balogun's red card, allowing him to play in his team's Round of 16 matchup in the World Cup against Belgium. However, the United States struggled mightily on Monday, losing 4-1 to end its tournament.

After the match, USMNT members were asked whether the public outcry led to the team's disappointing outing.

"It didn't affect our performance. It's not an excuse," Pochettino said, per ESPN's Sam Borden. "I think we were not good enough. It wasn't our day. We didn't perform in the way that we're supposed to perform or show our quality. All that was happening around [with the Balogun situation], it was around us, but I think it wasn't a situation that affected us in the group."

Midfielder Tyler Adams also provided remarks.

"I think when it happened, it was just as much a surprise to us as it was to you," Adams said. "I don't think that noise or anything affected us by any means. If anything, it probably uplifted us in a sense."

USMNT captain Tim Ream was asked about President Donald Trump's call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for a review and whether any controversy surrounding that had an impact on the team's performance.

"It had no impact," the center back said, per Borden. "Outside noise. We've done a good job with this group of allowing outside noise to be outside noise. It's got nothing to do with us as players and getting ready for games. It's one of those things that's the world we live in.

"So, we were fully focused on us as a group and as a team and fully focused on the game and not really worrying about what was being said or debated in the outside world."

Balogun initially received the straight red card in the USMNT's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. He stepped awkwardly on the back of Tarik Muharemović's right heel, leading to VAR review, a booking and a one-match suspension.

However, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced that the red card had been suspended. Per Article 27 of FIFA's disciplinary code, "the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure."

Infantino also made further remarks about the decision in response to public scrutiny.

Numerous organizations expressed their ire, including UEFA and the Royal Belgian FA.

In the end, Balogun was allowed to play. However, Belgium enjoyed a thoroughly resounding victory largely courtesy of Charles De Ketelaere's two goals and one assist.

Belgium also out-shot the USA 15-7 (7-2 shots on goal) en route to the win, which now catapulted the team to a quarterfinal match against Spain.