​For a while, it seemed the lead-up to the US men’s national team’s last-16 clash with Belgium hinged on Folarin Balogun. In the end, Balogun’s presence didn’t truly matter on the field, at least not for the US. He was serviceable in the 4-1 defeat and even earned the foul that produced the Americans’ sole goal, a deflected free-kick off Malik Tillman’s foot. He didn’t resemble the dynamo he had been in the US’s previous World Cup games. But Balogun alone wouldn’t have saved a US team that Belgium dissected with clinical precision.
The fact that Balogun failed to hit the scoresheet likely brought some relief to certain fans and pundits—and to Belgium’s coaches and players, who argued that the Monaco forward shouldn’t have played. Balogun was originally slated to receive a red-card suspension for Monday’s match, but ended up in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI after the US Soccer Federation—amid pressure from the Trump administration—secured a stay of that punishment.
That sense of political maneuvering transformed what should have been a celebratory showdown—a chance for the US to announce themselves among the world’s elite at a home World Cup—into a spectacle that drew scrutiny of the entire nation. The US faced bigger issues on Monday, yet one wonders how much the surrounding Balogun discourse amplified the sting of their poor performance.
In his post-match press conference, Pochettino insisted the controversy did not contribute to the loss. He also expressed disappointment with those who suggested the federation overstepped in their bid to keep Balogun on the field. “I am so frustrated and disappointed with the people who are supposed to understand the situation,” he said. “What is the point of insults or receiving a torrent of abuse and threats if my position is that I am the head coach? It’s a rule that can be applied to try, and the players who are available. My position was to train the team. If Balogun is available because FIFA’s disciplinary committee allowed it, that’s not a problem. I’m disappointed with too many people who mix things, who bring politics and manipulation and talk about ethics and integrity.”
There’s real sympathy for Balogun, who found himself in a scenario he didn’t seek. He accepted the suspension promptly—though he disagreed with it—and spoke calmly and thoughtfully when addressed. On Monday, the striker offered his first remarks since his reinstatement, saying he accepted the decision when issued the red card, and then…