Folarin Balogun apologizes to his fans. Reproduction / Social Media North American striker Folarin Balogun took to social media to apologize to his fans for the elimination of the US team from the 2026 World Cup. "I want to apologize to our fans, we weren't good enough when it mattered most and we disappointed you", lamented the player. "Soccer in the USA will only grow, the confidence, talent and passion continue to increase and I know that the best days are ahead, the future belongs to those who never stop believing, this moment will motivate us. We will be back." The USA were eliminated by Belgium 3-1 on Monday (6). The match was the subject of controversy, precisely due to the presence of Balogun. In the previous game, against Bosnia and Herzegovina, he received a red card and was banned from playing against Belgium. However, FIFA annulled the punishment, which allowed the player to compete for a place in the quarter-finals. Balogun apologizes to US national team fans. Reproduction / Social Media The case gained even more repercussion when it was revealed that US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review the red card applied to Balogun. Trump even called Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, who gave Balogun the red card, "a little suspicious" and criticized the decision on the field. "He made a mark that no one could believe, you know? Even people on the other side," he said.
Balogun apologizes for USA's World Cup elimination: 'We let you down'
Folarin Balogun apologizes to his fans. Reproduction / Social Media North American striker Folarin Balogun took to social media to apologize to his fans for the elimination of the US team from the 2026 World Cup. "I...
FIFA President Gianni Infantino admitted having received a call from Trump, but assured that he had no power over the decision taken by the federation's Disciplinary Committee. The case led to a series of demonstrations against FIFA's decision and a barrage of criticism on the player's social networks. The comments include expressions such as "scandal" and "manipulation", as well as red card emojis, in response to what has been seen as FIFA's favoritism towards the United States, one of the countries hosting the 2026 World Cup. "Corruption, do the right thing," commented one person. "Ban the US for political interference: there is no other choice," wrote another user. Comments after FIFA annuls Balogun's expulsion Reproduction Folarin Balogun, from the USA, receives a red card from referee Raphael Claus. Phil Noble/Reuters
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