Pochettino regrets lack of involvement in Balogun's World Cup suspension
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 25, 2026, 9:00 AM
Last updated Sep 25, 2026
US men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed regret over not being more involved in Folarin Balogun's red card situation during the World Cup this summer. Balogun received a one-game suspension after a challenge but had it overturned after US Soccer and President Donald Trump lobbied FIFA. Pochettino stated that the decision-making process surrounding this incident affected team dynamics leading up to their loss against Belgium in the Round of 16. Moving forward, Pochettino indicated a need for a streamlined approach in handling such decisions within US Soccer. The team is set to play Peru in Orlando this Saturday.
- •Balogun’s red card came after a challenge against Bosnia and Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemović.
- •His suspension was lifted due to lobbying from US Soccer and President Trump.
- •Pochettino connects the situation's fallout to the team's performance against Belgium.
- •The USMNT will face Peru in Orlando on September 30.
- 9:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Mauricio Pochettino regrets not being ‘more involved’ with Balogun decision
- 9:00 AMYahoo Sports — Mauricio Pochettino regrets not being ‘more involved’ with Balogun decision
"US striker had red card ban suspended for Belgium game Trump said he called Infantino asking for review US men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino says he regrets not being “more involved” in the situation surrounding US forward Folarin Balogun at this summer’s World Cup. Balogun was given a red card after a challenge against Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović, which by rule is accompanied with a one-game suspension. Balogun’s ban for the next game against Belgium was suspended after the US Soccer Federation and US president Donald Trump lobbied Fifa, with Trump saying that he personally placed a call to Fifa president Gianni Infantino to ask the ruling be reviewed. Infantino maintains that the decision to reinstate Balogun was made independently by Fifa’s disciplinary committee. Continue reading...
"US men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino says he regrets not being “more involved” in the situation surrounding US forward Folarin Balogun at this summer’s World Cup. Balogun was given a red card after a challenge against Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović, which by rule is accompanied with a one-game suspension. Balogun’s ban for the next game against Belgium was suspended after the US Soccer Federation and US president Donald Trump lobbied Fifa, with Trump saying that he personally placed a call to Fifa president Gianni Infantino to ask the ruling be reviewed.
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportSep 25, 2026, 9:00 AMMauricio Pochettino regrets not being ‘more involved’ with Balogun decision
US striker had red card ban suspended for Belgium game Trump said he called Infantino asking for review US men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino says he regrets not being “more involved” in the situation surrounding US forward Folarin Balogun at this summer’s World Cup. Balogun was given a red card after a challenge against Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović, which by rule is accompanied with a one-game suspension. Balogun’s ban for the next game against Belgium was suspended after the US Soccer Federation and US president Donald Trump lobbied Fifa, with Trump saying that he personally placed a call to Fifa president Gianni Infantino to ask the ruling be reviewed. Infantino maintains that the decision to reinstate Balogun was made independently by Fifa’s disciplinary committee. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsSep 25, 2026, 9:00 AMMauricio Pochettino regrets not being ‘more involved’ with Balogun decision
US men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino says he regrets not being “more involved” in the situation surrounding US forward Folarin Balogun at this summer’s World Cup. Balogun was given a red card after a challenge against Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović, which by rule is accompanied with a one-game suspension. Balogun’s ban for the next game against Belgium was suspended after the US Soccer Federation and US president Donald Trump lobbied Fifa, with Trump saying that he personally placed a call to Fifa president Gianni Infantino to ask the ruling be reviewed.
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