Folarin Balogun's presence on the field for the United States against Belgium had a notable impact on the international soccer world, but he ultimately played a limited role in the Americans' 4-1 loss in the World Cup round of 16. The 25-year-old striker, who had scored three goals earlier in the tournament, had been suspended after receiving a red card during the U.S. victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
FIFA lifted Balogun's suspension for the match against Belgium following an intervention on his behalf by U.S. President Donald Trump. This decision drew criticism from European soccer body UEFA, which stated that FIFA had "crossed a red line," and prompted Belgium's soccer federation to contest Balogun's eligibility.
Balogun himself stated he had no involvement in the process that led to his suspension being overturned. "I accepted the decision when I was given the red card, and I accepted the decision when I was told I was allowed to play," he said. "I didn't have any involvement in the process, and that's not something that has anything to do with me personally."
During the match against Belgium, Balogun did not score. He was involved in setting up Malik Tillman's goal in the 31st minute when he drew a foul from Belgium defender Brandon Mechele. Tillman converted the ensuing free kick. Balogun made several runs utilizing his speed but was unable to get past Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. His most significant scoring opportunity came in the 82nd minute, but Courtois saved his left-footed shot. Balogun was substituted in the 92nd minute.
When asked about Balogun's performance, U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams responded, "Was anyone a major presence on the field today?" Adams added, "We were happy that we had the opportunity for him to play. He tried today to be a presence and a nuisance, and at times he was — getting the ball in behind and doing what he does. Just didn’t have too many opportunities."
Balogun expressed disappointment with the team's overall intensity. "Today we didn't give the crowd a lot to cheer for," he said. "That's the most disappointing thing, and that's the part that hurts the most for me personally."
The original red card incident occurred during the Americans' 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina the previous Wednesday, when Brazilian referee Raphael Claus showed Balogun a red card for stepping on an opponent's ankle, which triggered an automatic one-game suspension.
FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for one year on Sunday, after President Trump spoke by phone with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Infantino stated he did not play a role in the disciplinary committee's decision. The committee also fined Balogun $40,000, a penalty the U.S. Soccer Federation can pay.
Infantino was present at the match, seated in a suite with Pascale Van Damme, chair of the Belgian Football Association, and Cindy Parlow Cone, president of the USSF. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin was also in attendance nearby.
Fans in Belgium were heard chanting "FIFA Mafia!" during their pregame march to Lumen Field.
Balogun's three goals in the tournament matched Landon Donovan's total from the 2010 World Cup, placing him second for most goals by an American in a single World Cup. Bert Patenaude holds the U.S. record with four goals in the 1930 tournament.
Balogun, playing in his first World Cup for the U.S., became the first American player to score two goals in a single match in the tournament since 1930. However, the team could not secure its first consecutive knockout-stage wins. The U.S. team's best performance since 1930 was reaching the quarterfinals in 2002.