Folarin Balogun played in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium after FIFA ruled him eligible despite a red card received in a prior game. The ruling sparked controversy, as many argued Balogun should not have been red-carded initially.

Belgium defeated the U.S. 4-1 at Seattle Stadium, ending the American team’s World Cup run. After the match, Balogun approached Belgium manager Rudi Garcia, who expressed appreciation for the gesture. "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 said.

Garcia further praised Balogun, stating, "I really appreciate the intention that he came to see me. I appreciate this player."

Regarding the red card incident, Garcia commented, "And again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled. That was not a guy punching somebody in the face or anything that would be different."

The Athletic reported that FIFA’s disciplinary code allows the judicial body to fully or partially suspend the implementation of disciplinary measures, which applied to Balogun’s case. The controversy even drew attention from former President Donald Trump, who admitted to calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card.

Balogun himself stated, "I did as I was told — played soccer, because I was allowed to."

Sources