Balogun admits red card controversy affected US team before Belgium loss

Folarin Balogun has acknowledged that the unprecedented decision by FIFA to suspend his one-match ban after a red card against Bosnia – following a phone call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino – created "mucho ruido externo" that affected the US team's preparation before their 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. Source: lavozar, infobae

The red card and its reversal

• Balogun was sent off after a VAR review for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. He claims it was accidental: "Ni siquiera fue una entrada" Source: lavozar.
• FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended the ban for a one-year probation period, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium. Source: excelsiormx
• Trump confirmed he called Infantino to ask for a review, stating "Todo lo que hice fue pedir una revisión" Source: infobae.

Impact on the team

• Balogun sensed nervousness among teammates: "Casi podía ver en mis compañeros un poco de nervios" Source: lavanguardia.
• The distraction was difficult: "Había mucho ruido externo y eso es difícil de evitar" Source: lavozar.
• The US lost 4-1 to Belgium, their second-largest defeat in the round of 16. Source: infobae

Balogun's reaction

• He initially felt happy but realized it would cause controversy. Source: infobae