News, goals, and analysis – only on the official A BOLA app. World Cup The United States national team was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after a 1-4 defeat against Belgium in a round of 16 match marked by the controversial inclusion of forward Folarin Balogun. Balogun’s presence, who plays for Monaco, dominated the attention as he was supposed to serve a one-match suspension due to a direct red card received against Bosnia, but ended up starting for Mauricio Pochettino’s team. This turnaround occurred after the American Federation, with the support of Donald Trump’s administration, managed to have the sanction lifted. Amid all the controversy, his contribution on the field was modest. The forward, who found himself at the center of a situation he had little control over, was fouled, leading to the only American goal, scored by Malik Tillman from a direct free kick, at that moment making it 1-1. Balogun spoke at the end and commented on his reintegration with calmness. “I accepted the decision when I received the red card and then I also accepted the decision when I was told I could play,” said Balogun. “There’s not much more I can say about the matter. That said, Belgium was the better team. I feel they played much better than us. Today, we didn’t play a good game. Personally, as I said, I accepted the decision.” Visibly affected by the defeat, he acknowledged the complexity of his situation. “The feeling of disappointment is very hard to put into words,” he confessed. “Personally, the situation I was involved in will also present different challenges. So, it’s important to organize my thoughts, and at the right moment, I’m sure I can talk about the matter.” After the match, coach Mauricio Pochettino denied that the situation influenced the result but expressed criticism. “I am very frustrated and disappointed with the people who should understand the situation,” the coach stated. “What’s the point of insulting or receiving a lot of negative messages and threats if my position is that of a coach? There’s a rule that allows trying to make players available. My job was to train the team. If Balogun is available because the FIFA disciplinary committee allowed it, there’s no problem. I feel very disappointed with too many people. They mix things up, bring in politics and manipulation, and talk about ethics and integrity.” On the Belgian side, coach Rudi Garcia expressed indignation over Balogun’s inclusion but even revealed a friendly conversation with the forward – against whom he naturally holds nothing personal. “[Balogun] came to talk to me,” Garcia said. “I told him it’s not his fault, he’s not to blame. I really appreciated the gesture of coming to talk to me… I like this player.” Balogun was sent off in the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for inadvertently stepping on an opponent. According to several reports, the Trump administration almost immediately began the process to overturn the suspension, with Trump himself being informed of the red card shortly after the end of the match. The White House reportedly provided its lawyers to the U.S. Federation, and Trump allegedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino several times. “I was the one who asked them to [review the suspension], it didn’t even seem like a foul to me,” Trump admitted to reporters. FIFA ultimately lifted the punishment, invoking Article 27 of its statutes.
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