Folarin Balogun has spoken out after one of the most discussed episodes of the tournament, after FIFA’s decision to allow him to play against Belgium, despite his previous red card, triggered a wave of controversy that went beyond the sporting aspect. The United States striker chose to distance himself from the institutional and political debate, insisting that his role remains only on the pitch.
Balogun avoids the political debate
After the United States’ elimination, Balogun preferred not to directly address the commentary surrounding the case, including statements by U.S. President Donald Trump. He said his focus had been only on the game and not on the procedures that led to the change in the decision.
“My job is to go out on the pitch and focus on my work. I repeat, what hurts me most is the defeat,” the U.S. striker said.
“I had no role in that procedure”
Balogun explained that when he received the red card, he considered it normal that he would miss the following match. According to him, the later reversal of the decision was naturally something that generated discussion.
“When I got the red card, I knew I would usually miss the next match. When the decision changes, it is normal for there to be discussions and controversy. But I am a football player. I did not know the details and I had no role in that procedure,” he said.
Questions over how the case was handled
FIFA’s decision to suspend the punishment and clear Balogun to play against Belgium triggered numerous reactions, with fans and analysts raising questions about how the case was administered.
The player himself admitted that he still has not fully processed everything that happened in recent days. “I will need time to truly understand everything that happened,” he said, underlining that his attention had been only on the match.
Elimination and lack of intensity
In the clash with Belgium, the United States failed to maintain the rhythm of its previous matches and exited the tournament. Balogun admitted that the team did not show the same energy it had displayed earlier.
“It is difficult to explain the lack of energy in a World Cup round-of-16 match. In the other matches we had great intensity and drew strength from the fans, but this time it did not happen that way. It is very painful,” he said.
Supportive message after the match
After the match, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia spoke to Balogun, asking him not to let the controversy overshadow his World Cup experience.
According to the U.S. striker, Garcia told him he hoped the situation would not overshadow what had been a very good World Cup from him. Balogun stressed that, despite the disappointment of elimination, the tournament remains an important moment for the team and for the impact it had on the public.
In the end, Balogun said this World Cup helped the team bring more people closer to football and that the full appreciation of what was achieved will only come once the emotions settle.
For now, the debate over how his case was handled remains open, while the player is trying to move on and focus on the pitch.