Folarin Balogun Reacts to World Cup Red Card Debate

Folarin Balogun didn’t find the controversy around his red card situation in the World Cup surprising. The USMNT forward was cleared to play in the round of 16 against Belgium after a one-match suspension, initially given due to a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, was overturned by FIFA.

Balogun said he wasn’t involved in the decision-making but expected the ban to stand. “When that decision's overturned, of course it’s going to be controversial,” he told reporters. “So for me, it didn’t really surprise me too much. But as a player, my job is just to go out there and focus on my job.”

According to FIFA rules, players who receive red cards must miss their next match. Balogun accepted the initial ruling, expecting to sit out against Belgium. Yet, a day before the match, FIFA lifted the suspension, allowing him to play. The drama intensified when former President Donald Trump claimed he had influenced FIFA president Gianni Infantino to reverse the ban.

Balogun said he only knew about his status when told and had no deeper knowledge or involvement. “I had to respect this protocol. I didn’t know a lot about it. As I said, I accepted the decision when I was given the red card and accepted it when I was told I was allowed to play. That’s not something that has anything to do with me personally,” he added.

The Belgian soccer federation expressed its dissatisfaction with the ruling. Belgium’s coach Rudi Garcia joked about the timing, saying, “I thought the World Cup was in July, not April. It’s now April Fools. We’re not defending the national team or the federation. We’re defending football.”

Despite the controversy, no visible tension appeared between Belgium’s squad and Balogun during the match. After Belgium’s 4-1 victory, Garcia and Balogun exchanged respectful words. Balogun congratulated Garcia, who responded by telling the striker, “It’s not his fault. He’s not the one to blame, and I told him that.”

Almost every member of the U.S. team and coach Mauricio Pochettino were asked if Trump’s involvement affected the team. While most dismissed the idea that it influenced Belgium’s dominant win, Pochettino expressed frustration with how politics overshadowed the tournament. “In a personal way, I feel so disappointed with too many people because mixed things, because they can put politics into it,” he said.