United States’ Folarin Balogun (20) walks off the pitch after losing to Belgium of their World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
SEATTLE — Folarin Balogun’s presence on the sphere for the US against Belgium had a seismic impact on the world of soccer, but he ultimately played a forgettable role within the Americans’ 4-1 loss within the World Cup round of 16 on Monday.
The 25-year-old striker, who had three goals on this World Cup, was shown a red card in the course of the U.S. victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA lifted his suspension for Monday’s match after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened on Balogun’s behalf.
READ: Trump confirms he asked FIFA boss for review of Balogun red card
FIFA’s decision prompted soccer leaders to query the integrity of the World Cup, with European soccer body UEFA saying FIFA “crossed a red line” and Belgium’s soccer federation contesting Balogun’s eligibility.
Balogun didn’t rating on Monday. He helped arrange Malik Tillman’s goal within the thirty first minute when he was fouled by Belgium defender Brandon Mechele roughly 25 yards outside the Red Devils’ goal.
Tillman scored on the following free kick. Just before the goal, Balogun waved his arms and pumped up the American fans.
United States’ Folarin Balogun tries to regulate the ball in the course of the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Belgium in Seattle, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
The U.S. tried to establish Balogun multiple times. He made use of his speed on several runs but couldn’t get past Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. His best likelihood got here within the 82nd minute, when Courtois got in front of a left-footed attempt. Balogun was replaced by Haji Wright within the 92nd minute.
Last Wednesday in the course of the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Balogun was shown a red card by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent’s ankle, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.
After Trump spoke by phone to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for a 12 months on Sunday.
Infantino said he didn’t play a task in the choice by the disciplinary committee, which also fined Balogun $40,000, a penalty that will be paid by the U.S. Soccer Federation.
The FIFA president was in attendance for the match, watching from a set with Pascale Van Damme, chair of the Belgian Football Association, and Cindy Parlow Cone, president of the us. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin was seated nearby.
Belgium fans chanted “FIFA Mafia” during their pregame march to Lumen Field.
Balogun’s three goals matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second most by an American in a World Cup. Bert Patenaude holds the U.S. record with 4 within the initial tournament in 1930.
Balogun, who was playing in his first World Cup for the Americans, became the primary U.S. player to attain two goals in a match within the tournament since 1930. But he failed to guide the U.S. to what would have been its first consecutive knockout-stage wins. One of the best performance by the Americans since 1930 stays their run to the quarterfinals in 2002.