World Cup 2026: Balogun on ban controversy: 'I knew it would cause huge debate'

Folarin Balogun has broken his silence on FIFA's controversial decision to suspend his one-match ban during the 2026 World Cup, admitting he anticipated the significant backlash that followed. The 25-year-old US forward was initially suspended for a dangerous tackle against Bosnia in the round of 32.

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I knew it was gonna cause a lot of controversy. I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves… I tried to just focus as best as I could, but it was difficult with a…

However, FIFA's disciplinary committee opted to suspend the penalty for one year, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium. This decision sparked a storm of criticism, particularly after reports emerged of intervention from Donald Trump and White House officials towards the global football governing body. UEFA had previously described the development as "unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustified."

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My first reaction was joy that I was returning to the team, but when I started to think about it, I knew it would cause a lot of controversy. I could almost see a nervousness in my teammates, because it was something so unusual.

Balogun shared his initial reaction was joy at rejoining the team, but he soon realized the decision would cause "a lot of controversy." He observed "a bit of nerves" among his teammates, acknowledging the unusual circumstances. "It was difficult to avoid all this noise," he stated, adding that his teammates were supportive, treating him "like brothers."

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As the game approached, I tried to focus as best as I could, but it was difficult. It's difficult to avoid all this noise. My teammates are like my brothers and they supported me a lot. There was nothing I could do or change.

He learned of the suspension's suspension while on the team bus, an announcement that led to celebrations among the squad. Balogun described the experience as "confusing" as the team had been training without him, and he had taken on more of a supportive role. Despite the team's 4-1 loss to Belgium, Balogun asserted that the controversy did not affect the team's focus, stating, "We are all professionals. Once we got past the initial announcement, it wasn't that difficult to focus."

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It was confusing because the team was training without me. I had more of a supportive role and tried to keep morale high. When we found out on the bus, everyone started shouting and celebrating. It was a very intense ride to the training center.