The United States Men's National Team had all the momentum when Folarin Balogun's red card from the Round of 32 was suspended, giving him a chance to play in the Round of 16 — at least, that's what American soccer fans thought.The day before the USMNT's Round of 16 game against Belgium, which Balogun was originally supposed to miss because of a red card in the previous game, FIFA ruled that he would be eligible.The ruling added to what was already a huge controversy, as it was argued Balogun should not have been red-carded in the first place.Nonetheless, Balogun was active despite an appeal and strong reaction from Belgium.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMUnited States forward Folarin Balogun kicks the ball against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
(David Gonzales)However, it was hardly a needle-mover, as Belgium embarrassed the Stars and Stripes with a 4-1 win.If anything, the needle might have moved the wrong way, Balogun himself said."My initial reaction was I was happy to be back in the team, but when I kind of started to reflect, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy, and I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves, because it is something that is so unique," Balogun told CBS on Tuesday."The closer we got to the game, I tried to just focus as best as I could, but it was difficult.
A lot of outside noise and that’s hard to avoid."Balogun said the entire situation was "confusing," as the team was initially practicing without him.But the team found out on the bus to practice that Balogun would be active."Everybody was screaming and shouting," Balogun said.BELGIUM MANAGER PRAISES CLASSY GESTURE BY FOLARIN BALOGUN AFTER RED CARD CONTROVERSY: 'I REALLY LIKED THAT'Folarin Balogun of the U.S.
celebrates scoring their first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California.(Phil Nob...