Folarin Balogun: I accepted the first decision, and I accepted the second

US national team striker Folarin Balogun has for the first time commented on FIFA's decision to overturn his red card, which allowed him to participate in the Round of 16 clash against Belgium. The footballer stated he understands the controversy the situation has caused.

Balogun started for the USA in their 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 at the North American World Cup.

"Of course, it becomes controversial when the decision is overturned. We accepted the decision when I was shown the red card, and we accepted the decision when we were told I could play. There's not much else I can say about it. I just congratulated Belgium," Balogun stated.

Balogun was initially sent off in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. This should have resulted in an automatic one-match ban, but in an almost unprecedented move, FIFA rescinded the sanction.

This case sparked significant uproar during the World Cup and shocked the football community. Critics accused the global football governing body of succumbing to political pressure. Subsequently, FIFA also rejected Belgium's appeal.