SEATTLE — American striker Folarin Balogun was back on the field for the United States against Belgium on Monday, but despite the enormous controversy surrounding his return, the 25-year-old had little to show for it as the U.S. was eliminated from the World Cup with a 4-1 defeat in the round of 16.
Balogun, who entered the tournament having scored three goals for the Americans, received a red card during the U.S. win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. That would have meant an automatic one-game suspension, keeping him out of Monday’s match. However, FIFA’s disciplinary committee stepped in on Sunday and suspended that punishment for one year, allowing Balogun to take the field.
The decision came after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke directly with FIFA president Gianni Infantino by phone. The move drew immediate backlash from across the soccer world. European soccer body UEFA said FIFA had “crossed a red line,” and Belgium’s soccer federation formally challenged Balogun’s eligibility to play.
On the field, Balogun’s impact was limited. He did play a role in the Americans’ lone goal — in the 31st minute, Belgian defender Brandon Mechele fouled him roughly 25 yards from the goal, and Malik Tillman converted the resulting free kick. Just before the goal, Balogun could be seen pumping up American fans in the stands.
The U.S. attempted to get Balogun involved throughout the match, and he used his speed on several runs, but he could not get past Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. His clearest scoring opportunity came in the 82nd minute, when Courtois stopped a left-footed shot. Balogun was taken off the field in the 92nd minute, replaced by Haji Wright.
The red card that sparked the controversy was issued last Wednesday during the Americans’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus gave Balogun the card after he stepped on an opponent’s ankle, triggering the automatic suspension that FIFA later set aside.
Despite the disappointing finish, Balogun ended the tournament with three goals — tying Landon Donovan’s mark from 2010 for the second-most goals ever scored by an American in a single World Cup. The U.S. record belongs to Bert Patenaude, who scored four goals in the very first World Cup in 1930.
Playing in his first World Cup, Balogun also became the first U.S. player since 1930 to score two goals in a single World Cup match. However, he was unable to lead the Americans to consecutive knockout-stage victories, which would have been a historic achievement. The U.S. team’s best World Cup run since 1930 remains their quarterfinal appearance in 2002.
