World Cup 2026: Folarin Balogun describes how red-card controversy affected USMNT: 'A lot of outside noise, and that's hard to avoid'

Folarin Balogun described how a red-card dispute during the 2026 World Cup affected the United States men’s national team, saying it created “a lot of outside noise” that was difficult to avoid. Balogun, a 25-year-old Monaco striker, said his Round of 16 suspension was changed at the last minute, after it emerged the red-card ban he was expected to serve had been suspended itself. The update arrived one day before the USMNT’s knockout match versus Belgium for a quarterfinal spot. Belgium’s governing body criticized FIFA’s decision, citing what it called a contradiction in the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The political angle intensified when reports said US President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked for a review; Trump later confirmed his involvement. Balogun told “CBS Mornings” he was “totally in shock,” maintained the incident was not intentional, and argued that when something isn’t intentional it “should never be a red card.” After a strong start, the USMNT lost 4-1 to Belgium on July 6.