Team USA World Cup Star Breaks Silence Over Red Card Controversy

United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) forward Folarin Balogun spoke out for the first time about the controversial red card he received during the 2026 World Cup and its subsequent suspension. 

Following the 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16, all Balogun had to say regarding the suspension of the match ban was that he “accepted the decision” when it was given and that he “also accepted the decision [he] could play” without going into further detail.

On Tuesday, he appeared on morning talk shows to elaborate. 

“My initial reaction was, you know, I was happy to be back with the team. But when I kind of started to reflect, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy,” Balogun said in an interview with CBS Mornings. “I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves, because it’s something that’s so unique… I tried to just focus as best as I could, but it was difficult.”

The outside distractions were broadcast across television networks and social media platforms after President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to say he disagreed with the call. Infantino decided to suspend the red card after review. Team USA’s forward added that the discussion from all sides affected him mentally.

“It didn’t help. As an athlete, you want to go into a game — it’s already difficult enough with everything that goes on — the pressure,” Balogun told the Today Show. “To have more pressure, not just internally, but from almost the whole footballing world. It was difficult.”

“I think it put a lot more pressure on us than we needed,” he said on CBS Mornings.

The red card reversal did not end up helping Team USA. They lost 4-1 to Belgium after an impressive tournament start. This led many Team USA fans to believe that the pressure was a factor in the disappointing loss. Balogun reassured fans that the headlines surrounding the debate disappeared at kickoff.

“It was a difficult game against Belgium, and that can kind of overshadow whether we were focused or not, but from me being inside the camp and inside the setup, I know we had full concentration going into the game,” Balogun said.

In the two interviews, the USMNT forward also spoke on his excitement about the future of soccer in America and why he chose to represent the United States, citing it as a “no-brainer” due to the “culture, passion, and ambition.”

Balogun mentioned he will be back in four years to represent America for the 2030 World Cup.