Folarin Balogun became the face of the United States Men’s National Team during its 2026 FIFA World Cup run as the squad’s leading goal scorer. Unfortunately, he also became the face of the tournament’s biggest controversy.
Balogun was assessed a red card following a VAR review in the second half of the U.S.’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, which normally would have meant that he would be suspended for the USMNT’s round of 16 match against Belgium. However, in a shocking and divisive ruling, Balogun’s suspension was suspended, making him eligible to compete against Belgium.
After news of the ruling broke, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that he worked to get Balogun back on the pitch.
“I saw the play, and I’m a person that loves sports … that wasn’t a foul,” the President said. “That wasn’t even an infraction … this referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his past. He made a call that nobody could believe … he’s our best player, or one of our best players. And he gave him a red card. I didn’t know what that meant … yes, I asked for a review by FIFA.”
Balogun went on to start the match, but ultimately, he struggled to make an impact on the pitch as the U.S. lost 4-1 to an inspired Belgium squad and Balogun failed to score a goal or produce an assist.
“I tried to focus as best as I could.”
Now, Balogun is making his first public comments on the situation that unfolded around his red card.
“I was happy to be back in the team,” Balogun said on CBS Mornings on Tuesdya “Yes. But when I kind of started to reflect, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy. And I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves because it was something that’s so unique. But the closer we got to the game, I tried to just focus as best as I could. Yeah.
Folarin Balogun on Donald Trump’s intervention in getting his World Cup ban suspended on @CBSMornings: “I knew it was gonna cause a lot of controversy. I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves… I tried to just focus as best as I could, but it was difficult with a… pic.twitter.com/ZHzYD7Z6u4 — Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) July 14, 2026
“But it was difficult, you know, a lot of outside noise.”
Balogun appears to know that the decision, on some level, was wrong, given he made sure to speak to Belgium coach Rudi Garcia after the loss.
“He [Balogun] came to talk to me,” Garcia said. “I really liked that. It’s not his fault, he’s not the one to blame, I told him that. I appreciate the intention of him speaking to me.”
The situation writ large continues to develop. On Tuesday, it was reported that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been reported to the IOC over the decision and his ties to the U.S. President.
Source: The Comeback
