U.S. coach regrets Donald Trump incident during World Cup knockout match
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 6, 2026, 10:02 PM
Last updated Oct 6, 2026
During the 2026 World Cup, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed regret over the controversial decision to clear Folarin Balogun from suspension ahead of the Round of 16 match against Belgium. Balogun, initially set to miss the match due to a red card, was allowed to play after President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the suspension. This decision sparked backlash as it created a distraction leading to the United States’ 4-1 defeat by Belgium. Pochettino admitted that the incident altered the atmosphere around the match and recognized it as a mistake not to have appreciated the broader context at the time. He stated the decision impacted the team's preparation negatively.
- •Folarin Balogun's suspension was overturned shortly before the match against Belgium.
- •The U.S. lost 4-1 to Belgium, eliminating them from the tournament.
- •Pochettino acknowledged the incident changed the team's energy and focus.
- •UEFA criticized FIFA's decision to lift Balogun's suspension as 'incomprehensible.'
- •Trump claimed he only requested a review and did not dictate FIFA's decision.
- 10:02 PMYahoo Sports — ‘The entire energy changed’: U.S. coach admits Donald Trump incident was a ‘mistake’ at World Cup
"During the 2026 World Cup, FIFA made the surprising decision to overturn a suspension handed to United States star Folarin Balogun, clearing him to feature in the Round of 16 clash against Belgium. The decision immediately sparked backlash, particularly after President Donald Trump revealed that he had contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for…
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