Belgium manager Rudi Garcia expressed his appreciation for a gesture from U.S. forward Folarin Balogun after the United States Men's National Team's 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on July 6, 2026. Despite the U.S. team's exit from the tournament, Balogun approached Garcia following the match, an interaction the Belgium manager found commendable.
"He came to talk to me. I really liked that. It is not his fault; he is not the one to blame, and that’s what I told him," Garcia told reporters after the game. "I really appreciate the intention that he came to see me. I appreciate this player."
Balogun was eligible to play in the match after a red card he received in a previous game was subject to an appeal. FIFA's disciplinary code allows for the "suspension of the implementation of a disciplinary measure," which was applied in Balogun's case. The decision for Balogun to be eligible followed an inquiry that included a call from former President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to Trump.
Trump stated he requested a review because he did not believe the initial red card was warranted. "All I did was, I asked for a review, because I didn’t think it was a foul," Trump said. He added that he believed it was a decision made by a committee rather than Infantino himself, and that the correct decision was made to allow a key player to participate.
Despite the controversy surrounding Balogun's eligibility and the U.S. team's performance, Belgium advanced to face Spain, while the United States concluded its World Cup campaign.