SEATTLE – Folarin Balogun’s presence on the field for the United States against Belgium had a seismic impact on the world of soccer, 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 U.S. victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. However, FIFA lifted his suspension for Monday’s match after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened on Balogun’s behalf.
FIFA’s decision sparked a wave of controversy, leading soccer leaders to question the integrity of the World Cup. UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, stated that FIFA had “crossed a red line,” while Belgium’s soccer federation contested Balogun’s eligibility to play.
“I accepted the decision when I was given the red card, and I accepted the decision when I was told I was allowed to play,” Balogun shared. “I didn’t have any involvement in the process, and that’s not something that has anything to do with me personally.”
Although Balogun did not score during the match, he was instrumental in setting up Malik Tillman’s goal in the 31st minute when he was fouled just outside the Belgian penalty area. His efforts were evident as he waved his arms to energize the American fans before the free kick that led to the goal.
The U.S. team attempted to capitalize on Balogun’s speed throughout the match, yet he faced formidable resistance from Belgium’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. His best scoring opportunity arrived late in the game, but Courtois was quick to block his left-footed shot. Balogun was substituted in the 92nd minute for Haji Wright.
In response to comments suggesting Balogun wasn’t a significant presence on the field, U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams remarked, “Was anyone a major presence on the field today?” He continued, “We were happy that we had the opportunity for him to play. 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.”
Balogun expressed his disappointment about the team’s performance, stating, “Today we didn’t give the crowd a lot to cheer for. That’s the most disappointing thing, and that’s the part that hurts the most for me personally.”
Last Wednesday, during the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Balogun received a red card from Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent’s ankle. This incident led to an automatic one-game suspension.
Following Trump’s phone conversation with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended Balogun’s punishment for a year, which raised eyebrows regarding the influence of external parties on the tournament.
Infantino distanced himself from the decision, stating he did not play a role in the disciplinary committee’s ruling, which included a $40,000 fine for Balogun that the U.S. Soccer Federation could cover.
As the match unfolded, Infantino was present, observing from a suite alongside Pascale Van Damme, chair of the Belgian Football Association, and Cindy Parlow Cone, president of the U.S. Soccer Federation. Nearby, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also watched the game.
Belgian fans voiced their displeasure with chants of “FIFA Mafia!” during their pregame march to Lumen Field, indicating a broader concern about the integrity of the tournament.
Balogun’s three goals throughout the tournament put him on par with Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second most by an American in a World Cup. Bert Patenaude holds the record with four goals in the inaugural tournament in 1930.
Despite his individual accomplishments, Balogun was unable to lead the U.S. to what would have been its first consecutive knockout-stage wins. The best performance by the Americans since 1930 remains their quarterfinal run in 2002.
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Associated Press writer Gene Johnson contributed to this report.
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See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here.
