Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia stated that he appreciated U.S. forward Folarin Balogun approaching him after their teams' FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match, which Belgium won 4-1. The conversation addressed the controversy surrounding Balogun's one-game suspension, which was controversially lifted by FIFA.
"He came to talk to me. I really liked that," Garcia said through an interpreter. "It is not his fault; he is not the one to blame — and that’s what I told him. I really appreciate the intention that he came to see me. I appreciate this player."
The situation escalated after FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun's one-match ban, received for a red card during the Americans' win over Bosnia, had been suspended for a year. This decision followed a call from President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino requesting a review of the play where Balogun struck Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic from behind. Belgium was granted the right to appeal FIFA's decision, but Balogun was ultimately cleared to play in the match.
Garcia had previously likened the handling of Balogun's suspension to April Fools' Day during his pre-match press conference.
The ninth-ranked Belgian squad remains unbeaten in its last 18 matches. Belgium is scheduled to face Spain in the quarterfinals on Friday in Inglewood, California.