United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has thrown his full support behind FIFA’s extraordinary decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban, insisting the decision upholds the principles of “ethics and integrity” as the co-hosts prepare for a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Belgium.The decision, which also prompted US President Donald Trump to publicly thank FIFA, has become one of the most controversial talking points of the tournament, with Belgium threatening to explore legal options and many coaches questioning the precedent it sets.
“Everyone should celebrate”. Pochettino defended FIFA’s decision
Speaking ahead of Monday’s knockout encounter, Pochettino welcomed FIFA’s move to make Balogun available following the striker’s controversial red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.“I think everyone who really watches the game and believes in ethics and integrity should celebrate that decision,” Pochettino told reporters.The former Argentina international argued that the United States had suffered enough in the 2-0 round of 32 victory, when Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute following a VAR review.“We were punished enough against Bosnia and Herzegovina, playing with 10 men for 35 minutes after a decision that was completely unfair,” he said.Pochettino also said he was not surprised that President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request an investigation into the incident.“I come from a culture, Argentina or Europe, where football, soccer is a religion, more than a religion,” said Pochettino. “If we continue, push, maybe one more step tomorrow you will see that the game is magic, that the game is amazing, very powerful, uniting people, uniting a country like us.”
Referee Raphael Claus shows a red card to Folarin Balogun (R) of the United States. (AP Photo)
Trump embraces change; The smoke of Belgium
According to reports, Trump called Infantino after the Bosnia match to request that FIFA review the red card shown to Balogun, who was the United States’ top scorer with three goals in the tournament.Following FIFA’s announcement, Trump praised the governing body on social media.“Thank you to FIFA for doing what is right, and reversing a great injustice!” he wrote.FIFA said the suspension was lifted under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which placed Balogun on a one-year probationary period. If he commits a similar offense during that period, the suspended sentence will be automatically enforced.The move appears to be the first time since the 1962 World Cup that a player sent off during the tournament has avoided serving an automatic suspension.
Belgium questioned the legality of the decision
The Royal Belgian Football Association was outraged, describing itself as “surprised” by FIFA’s decision and questioning its legal basis.While acknowledging FIFA’s reliance on Article 27, the RBFA argues that Article 66.4 of the Disciplinary Code clearly mandates an automatic suspension after a red card, as every other dismissal in this World Cup results in a one-match ban.Belgium coach Rudi Garcia also mocked the timing of the decision.“I didn’t know that in the offices of FIFA the fifth of July was the first of April in Europe,” said Garcia, likening the ruling to an April Fools’ joke.The Belgian federation said it was exploring “all potential options” to protect “fundamental principles of fair play,” while Norway coach Ståle Solbakken warned the ruling could set a dangerous precedent for future disciplinary decisions.