Top News

7 July 2026

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has disclosed that Folarin Balogun approached him for a conversation following the United States striker’s controversial involvement in their World Cup round of 16 encounter.

The USA were knocked out of the tournament after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in Seattle, with Balogun allowed to play despite a one-match suspension for a red card being lifted by Fifa – a decision reportedly made following direct intervention from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Under Mauricio Pochettino, the American side found it difficult to replicate the attacking football that carried them to the knockout stages. Balogun, who was chosen to start, played a limited role amid the political controversy surrounding his eligibility.

The 25-year-old striker had been in excellent form throughout the World Cup before his dismissal against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Garcia said he appreciated that the AS Monaco forward took the time to speak with him even after his team’s elimination.

“He came over to talk to me, and I really liked that,” Garcia said when describing his discussion with Balogun. “It’s not his fault; he isn’t the one to blame, and that’s exactly what I told him.”

Meanwhile, Fifa president Gianni Infantino is under mounting pressure to step down amid allegations of political interference in the competition linked to Trump’s involvement.

Infantino and Trump had appeared closely aligned ahead of the tournament, with the Fifa chief presenting the “Fifa Peace Prize” to Trump last December during the World Cup draw ceremony.

Having progressed past the co-hosts, Belgium are now set to face Spain in the quarter-final in Los Angeles on Friday.