The US Men’s National Team’s 2026 World Cup run ended with a Round of 16 loss to Belgium, and striker Folarin Balogun isn’t shy about pointing to the chaos that preceded it. A red card issued during the group stage, later overturned by FIFA, created a cloud of uncertainty that Balogun says affected the entire squad’s preparation and performance heading into the knockout round.
For a team playing a home World Cup with legitimate aspirations of a deep run, the manner of the exit stung. Balogun called the loss a “huge disappointment,” and the officiating controversy that defined the group stage only amplified the frustration.
The red card and its fallout
Balogun was shown a red card during a group-stage match reportedly against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The decision was immediately controversial. Coach Mauricio Pochettino argued the contact was incidental and did not warrant such a severe punishment. Balogun himself stated that a yellow card would have been a fairer outcome.
FIFA ultimately agreed, at least partially. The governing body suspended the one-game ban on or around July 5, 2026, clearing Balogun to feature in the Belgium match.
