Balogun accepts controversial reprieve but admits Belgium were simply better in 4-1 rout

Folarin Balogun addressed the controversy surrounding his reinstated availability for the first time after the United States were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, beaten 4-1 by Belgium in the last-16.

Balogun had been expected to serve a one-match ban after receiving a red card, but the suspension was lifted for a year following a phone call between President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino — a decision that drew widespread condemnation across the football world. The Belgian FA were among the most vocal critics, while England manager Thomas Tuchel also condemned the reversal.

“When you’re given a red card, usually the protocol is you don’t play in the following game,” Balogun said after the final whistle. “Then, when that decision’s overturned, of course, it’s going to be controversial. So 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. And I’m disappointed we weren’t able to win today.”

The Arsenal-linked forward was careful to separate the political storm from the performance on the pitch, placing credit firmly with the opposition. “I accepted the decision when I was given the red card, and then I also accepted the decision when I was told I could play,” he said. “There’s not too much else I can really say on the matter. All that being said, Belgium were the better team today. They played much better than us.”

Despite Balogun’s measured response, the fallout from the episode shows little sign of fading. Reports have emerged that the Football Association is exploring whether to appeal the straight red card shown to Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah during England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico, with the Trump-Infantino intervention seen as a potential precedent that other federations may now seek to exploit.

The broader implications for FIFA’s disciplinary credibility remain a live issue, with calls for Infantino’s resignation continuing to grow from prominent figures within the game.