عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Sports

‘Disappointed’ Pochettino Says Balogun Row No Excuse for US World Cup Exit

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino walks off the pitch after losing to Belgium in their World Cup round of 16 match in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP)
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino walks off the pitch after losing to Belgium in their World Cup round of 16 match in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP)
TT
TT

‘Disappointed’ Pochettino Says Balogun Row No Excuse for US World Cup Exit

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino walks off the pitch after losing to Belgium in their World Cup round of 16 match in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP)
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino walks off the pitch after losing to Belgium in their World Cup round of 16 match in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP)

US coach Mauricio Pochettino said he was disappointed and frustrated by the backlash over Folarin Balogun's ban, but insisted it was no excuse for his side's World Cup exit at the hands of Belgium on Monday.

Striker Balogun was cleared by FIFA to play in the co-hosts' pivotal round-of-16 clash despite having earned a red card in the previous game, following a call by US President Donald Trump to football's global governing body.

FIFA said the decision was not influenced by Trump, but the ensuing row dominated the final days of the US World Cup campaign, with Pochettino obliged to defend Balogun's eligibility for a game that ended with a crushing 4-1 loss in Seattle.

"I am so frustrated and so disappointed with the people who are supposed to understand this situation," said Pochettino, accusing critics of "mixing" politics with FIFA's decision.

"I think it didn't affect our performance... it's not an excuse, and we cannot put excuses, it wasn't our day.

"But in a personal way... (what) is the point? To insult or to receive a lot of bad message or threats, if my position is 'I am the head coach, it's a rule... that the player can be available'?"

"My position was to train the team, and if you have available Balogun, because the disciplinary (committee) of FIFA allowed to for you to have the player, it's not a problem," said Pochettino.

"In a personal way I feel so disappointed with too many people."

Balogun, the top US scorer of the tournament with three goals, started the game against Belgium but was not able to make a significant mark.

The US looked a shadow of the team that had made a bright start to the tournament on home soil, inflaming the hopes of the American public for a deep run into the World Cup.

"It was a very bad day. It wasn't our day, in a collective and individual way," said Pochettino.

"And we need to accept that sometimes this type of thing happens, but in a tournament like a World Cup, when that happens, you have not another chance."

Pochettino was non-committal on whether he would continue in the US national team role, saying he would first need to rest and then have conversations with federation officials.

He has been offered an extended contract with the US, but the former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain head coach has also been linked with a possible return to European club football.

Most Viewed

 
 
Sports

After His Suspension Was Lifted in Scrutinized Move, Balogun Has Little Impact in US World Cup Loss

United States' Folarin Balogun (20) walks off the pitch after losing to Belgium in their World Cup round of 16 match in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP)
United States' Folarin Balogun (20) walks off the pitch after losing to Belgium in their World Cup round of 16 match in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP)
TT
TT

After His Suspension Was Lifted in Scrutinized Move, Balogun Has Little Impact in US World Cup Loss

United States' Folarin Balogun (20) walks off the pitch after losing to Belgium in their World Cup round of 16 match in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP)
United States' Folarin Balogun (20) walks off the pitch after losing to Belgium in their World Cup round of 16 match in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP)

Folarin Balogun's presence on the field for the United States against Belgium had a seismic impact on the world of football, but he ultimately played a forgettable role in the Americans' 4-1 loss in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday.

The 25-year-old striker, who had three goals in this World Cup, was shown a red card during the US victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA lifted his suspension for Monday's match after US President Donald Trump intervened on Balogun's behalf.

FIFA's decision prompted football leaders to question the integrity of the World Cup, with European soccer body UEFA saying FIFA “crossed a red line” and Belgium's soccer federation contesting Balogun's eligibility.

Balogun did not score on Monday. He helped set up Malik Tillman's goal in the 31st minute when he was fouled by Belgium defender Brandon Mechele roughly 25 yards outside the Red Devils’ goal.

Tillman scored on the ensuing free kick. Just before the goal, Balogun waved his arms and pumped up the American fans.

The US tried to set up Balogun multiple times. He made use of his speed on several runs but could not get past Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. His best chance came in the 82nd minute, when Courtois got in front of a left-footed attempt. Balogun was replaced by Haji Wright in the 92nd minute.

To a suggestion that Balogun wasn’t a major presence on the field, US midfielder Tyler Adams responded: “Was anyone a major presence on the field today?”

“We were happy that we had the opportunity for him to play,” Adams said. “He tried today to be a presence and a nuisance, and at times he was — getting the ball in behind and doing what he does. Just didn’t have too many opportunities.”

Last Wednesday during the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Balogun was shown a red card by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent’s ankle, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.

After Trump spoke by phone to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for a year on Sunday.

Infantino said he did not play a role in the decision by the disciplinary committee, which also fined Balogun $40,000, a penalty that can be paid by the US Soccer Federation.

The FIFA president was in attendance for the match, watching from a suite with Pascale Van Damme, chair of the Belgian Football Association, and Cindy Parlow Cone, president of the USSF. US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin was seated nearby.

Belgium fans chanted “FIFA Mafia!” during their pregame march to Lumen Field.

Balogun's three goals matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second most by an American in a World Cup. Bert Patenaude holds the US record with four in the initial tournament in 1930.

Balogun, who was playing in his first World Cup for the Americans, became the first US player to score two goals in a match in the tournament since 1930. But he failed to lead the US to what would have been its first consecutive knockout-stage wins. The best performance by the Americans since 1930 remains their run to the quarterfinals in 2002.

Sports

Balogun Controversy Had Little Impact on Belgium Team, Says Coach

Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States is consoled by Rudi Garcia, head coach of Belgium, after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Getty Images/AFP)
Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States is consoled by Rudi Garcia, head coach of Belgium, after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Getty Images/AFP)
TT
TT

Balogun Controversy Had Little Impact on Belgium Team, Says Coach

Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States is consoled by Rudi Garcia, head coach of Belgium, after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Getty Images/AFP)
Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States is consoled by Rudi Garcia, head coach of Belgium, after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Getty Images/AFP)

Belgium's commanding 4-1 victory over the United States ‌in Monday's World Cup last-16 clash was barely affected by the swirling controversy around FIFA's decision to lift Folarin Balogun's suspension, according to coach Rudi Garcia.

The US attacker's inclusion in the lineup had cast a shadow over the match after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban for a one-year probationary period, despite his red card against Bosnia in the round of 32.

Yet Garcia said the players were neither motivated nor distracted by the affair.

“No, it wasn't at all necessary,” said Garcia when asked at the post-match press conference whether he had used the controversy to motivate his players against the co-hosts.

“What really mattered to us was our game plan. We wanted to dominate the ‌game, avoid their ‌pressing and play higher up. We played with mastery, with ‌willingness ⁠and dedication. It ⁠was a great night for us and a great qualification for the quarter-finals.”

Balogun's red card carried an automatic one-match ban, initially ruling him out of Monday's tie with Belgium.

FIFA, however, suspended the ban for a one-year probationary period without rescinding the card itself. US President Donald Trump said he had asked for the decision to be reviewed.

Garcia said Belgium’s squad had been kept informed of the Balogun affair, which prompted a furious ⁠reaction from the Belgian federation and created a wider international ‌controversy.

“We told them about what was happening. The ‌group is very mature. We have leaders to help us go through that,” Garcia added.

“I told ‌them that what mattered the most was us. Our team trying to set ‌the game principles, whether it's attack or defense. We were also underlining the strength and weaknesses of the opponent, but we're not analyzing anything more. We're not adapting to the opponent. That's not my style as a coach.”

Garcia, who had previously criticized FIFA’s decision, comparing it ‌to April Fool’s Day, said Balogun had spoken to him after the game.

“He came to talk to me. I really ⁠liked that. It's not ⁠his fault. He's not the one to blame. And that's what I told him. I really appreciate that he came to see me,” Garcia said.

The US struggled in the match and Garcia suggested some of this had to do with scars Belgium inflicted on them when they beat the Americans 5-2 in Atlanta in a March friendly.

“At some points of the game you got the feeling that was in their heads,” he said.

Belgium are up against Spain next in Los Angeles on Friday but without midfielder Amadou Onana, who left the pitch in the first half with a knee injury.

He later re-emerged on crutches and Garcia said it looked a serious setback which might end his participation in the tournament.

“We feel bad for him, but now that we are in the quarter-finals, we want to go to the semis,” Garcia added.

Sports

Belgium End US World Cup Dreams with 4-1 Rout Amid Balogun Row

Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the World Cup round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP)
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the World Cup round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP)
TT
TT

Belgium End US World Cup Dreams with 4-1 Rout Amid Balogun Row

Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the World Cup round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP)
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the World Cup round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP)

The United States' World Cup dreams came to a crashing halt in the last 16 against Belgium on Monday as Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in a 4-1 win overshadowed by FIFA's controversial decision to suspend US forward Folarin Balogun's ban.

Balogan was permitted to play, despite receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, after US President Donald Trump's unprecedented intervention but he barely had an impact on the pitch.

The 25-year-old forward did win the free kick which led to a first-half equalizer, though Belgium's Nicolas Raskin said the perceived injustice had actually motivated Balogun's opponents.

"I think there was always justice somewhere in life and the fact that something ‌can happen like ‌that ... but we don't think that was fair," Raskin said.

US coach Mauricio Pochettino ‌said ⁠the row had ⁠not affected his team and attributed their poor performance to an off-day against a top side.

"We were not good enough today, we don't need to find another excuse ... I think it wasn't a situation that affects us," he told reporters.

US DEFEAT ENDS CO-HOSTS' INVOLVEMENT

De Ketelaere gave Belgium the lead in the ninth minute with a simple tap-in, taking full advantage of a nervous start by the US to quickly deflate the partisan crowd.

Malik Tillman's deflected free kick levelled the game in the 31st minute, but De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead almost immediately with a ⁠back-post header.

The US improved after the break until a calamitous error from goalkeeper ‌Matt Freese allowed substitute Hans Vanaken to score in the 57th ‌minute.

Romelu Lukaku then added a fourth in added time to send US fans streaming for the exits and Belgium ‌into the quarter-finals for the third time in the last four World Cups. They will play European ‌champions Spain in Los Angeles on Friday.

The US defeat means all three co-hosts are out of the tournament, after Canada and Mexico lost their last-16 games.

"In the moments that we were doing well (in the tournament), we felt amazing," US midfielder Tyler Adams said.

"And then obviously, an opportunity like today, we didn't grasp it – and it's gonna sting."

BALOGUN LACKS IMPACT FOR ‌US

The US struggled with Belgium's intensity from the start and, with the crowd still going through their first chant of "U-S-A!", Timothy Castagne forced Freese into ⁠a fingertip save.

Youri Tielemans ⁠fluffed an early chance but the US did not learn their lesson and De Ketelaere tapped home Raskin's cross after the hosts failed to clear their lines.

Belgium's momentum was stalled by Amadou Onana's early injury, which coach Rudi Garcia said may end the midfielder's tournament.

The hydration break came at a good time for the US and they got a slice of luck with Tillman's equalizer, but swiftly conceded another cheap goal to cede the initiative once more.

Any hopes of a comeback were then shattered when Freese dawdled on the ball out of his goal and gave Vanaken an open goal, before Lukaku bagged his seventh career World Cup goal and 93rd for Belgium late on, 12 years after he scored against the US in another last-16 victory.

Despite their exit, Pochettino said the future was bright for the US squad and the Argentinian coach also suggested he wanted to continue.

"I think now ... it's (time to) rest a little bit, to think, to have conversations, and then see what the decision is from the federation and from us," he added. "But I am so happy."