Belgium manager praises classy gesture by Folarin Balogun after red card controversy: 'I really liked that'

FOX Sports FIFA World Cup announcer Tyler Terens discusses Team USA's disappointing 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16. He questions the team's game plan, stating they were not aggressive and 'got suffocated' in a home World Cup.

Folarin Balogun did as he was told — played soccer, because he was allowed to.

The day before the U.S. Men's National Team's Round of 16 game against Belgium, which Balogun was originally supposed to miss because of a red card in the prior game, FIFA ruled that he would be eligible.

The ruling added on to what was already a huge controversy, as it was argued Balogun should not have been red-carded in the first place. Nonetheless, Balogun was active despite an appeal and strong reaction from Belgium.

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Rudi Garcia, manager of Belgium, talks to Folarin Balogun of the United States after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026, in Seattle, Washington. (MB Media/Getty Images)

It didn't quite matter, as the U.S. was embarrassed in a 4-1 defeat to Belgium to end its World Cup hopes, but after the game, Balogun approached Belgium manager Rudi Garcia, an interaction Garcia said he greatly appreciated.

"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 match. "I really appreciate the intention that he came to see me. I appreciate this player."

The Athletic, which first reported Balogun’s playing status on Sunday, noted that part of FIFA’s disciplinary code stated, "the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure."

Folarin Balogun