Balogun Admits Red Card Suspension Controversy Caused Nerves Among Teammates

United States striker Folarin Balogun has acknowledged that FIFA's decision to suspend his one-game ban following a red card at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was bound to create significant controversy and anxiety among his teammates. Balogun, 25, received a red card for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Last 32 stage, which should have resulted in an automatic suspension.

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My initial reaction was that I was happy to be back in the team, but when I started to reflect, I knew it was going to start a lot of controversy and I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves because it is something that is so unique.

However, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee opted to suspend his ban for one year. This decision drew widespread condemnation, particularly after reports emerged that U.S. President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied the sport's governing body regarding the American player's sanction. Consequently, Balogun was eligible to start in the USA's Round of 16 match against Belgium, a decision the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) described as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable."

"My initial reaction was that I was happy to be back in the team, but when I started to reflect, I knew it was going to start 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. He added that despite focusing as best he could, the external noise made it difficult. "My teammates are like my brothers, they gave me a lot of reassurance. There was nothing I could do or change."

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My teammates are like my brothers, they gave me a lot of reassurance. There was nothing I could do or change.

The waiver of Balogun's suspension came just two days before the United States' 4-1 defeat to Belgium. Balogun learned of his eligibility to play while on the team bus, an announcement that resulted in "screaming and shouting" among the squad. Given the unusual circumstances of avoiding an immediate suspension for a straight red card, Balogun mentioned he had not been involved in the early preparations for the game. "It was confusing as the team was practising without me in the team. I almost played a supporting role to keep the morale high," the Monaco striker added. "When we found out on the team bus, everyone was screaming and shouting. It was a pretty intense bus ride to the practice field."

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It was confusing as the team was practising without me in the team. I almost played a supporting role to keep the morale high. When we found out on the team bus, everyone was screaming and shouting. It was a pretty intense bus ride to the practice field.