U.S. forward Folarin Balogun opened up about the storm that surrounded his team’s World Cup journey, noting that FIFA’s decision to lift his one‑game red‑card ban sparked a firestorm of debate.
The controversy began after Balogun was sent off in a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for kicking a defender, an incident that carried an automatic suspension under Article 27 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code.
A Last‑Minute Clearance
Balogun said he learned he had been cleared to play while riding the team bus, a moment that turned a routine outing into an intense, nerve‑racking experience for the squad.
Former referees and UEFA quickly condemned the move, while U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reconsider the decision, adding a political dimension to the sporting dispute.
The cleared player eventually featured in the decisive last‑16 match against Belgium, a game that ended 4‑1 in Belgium’s favor and eliminated the United States from the tournament, a result that still resonates with the team’s supporters.
Despite the emotional turbulence, Balogun emphasized that once the initial shock faded, he could focus on the task at hand, separating personal feelings from professional duty.