A firestorm of controversy erupted on Sunday with the news that FIFA was deferring the suspension of USMNT striker Folarin Balogun ahead of Monday's 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. Balogun received a red card in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia & Herzegovina on a player that most agree didn't warrant VAR intervention, much less a red card.
That reversal has opened the door for Balogun to play Monday against Belgium. That is undoubtedly good news for the USMNT. Balogun has been brilliant for the U.S. attack, scoring three goals in three games. Mauricio Pochettino's squad is surely better with him on the field. However, not putting Balogun in the starting lineup against Belgium might be the best move for Pochettino and the USMNT.
Did Folarin Balogun train for the possibility of playing?
Physically, Balogun is one of the USMNT's most talented players. But it's worth asking if he's mentally ready to play on Monday. From the minute he walked off the field during Wednesday's win over Bosnia & Herzegovina after receiving his red card, Balogun knew he would be suspended for the next round. For days, he operated under the assumption that he wouldn't play Monday, albeit handling himself well. But barely 24 hours before Monday's game, that changed.
Worth noting regarding FIFA’s decision on #USMNT striker Folarin Balogun. pic.twitter.com/vVKX7q4vi3
— Doug McIntyre (@ByDougMcIntyre) July 6, 2026
Can Balogun make the mental adjustment from thinking he wasn't playing to suddenly being eligible? Even for a pro athlete who's played in plenty of big games, that's a tough ask. After all, this isn't just any other game; it's a World Cup knockout game. This is the biggest game of his career, one he didn't think he'd be playing in until a day and a half before the game. Also, the storm of controversy surrounding FIFA's decision creates another potential distraction for Balogun.
Will this disrupt the team?
Not only did Balogun assume for days that he wasn't playing against Belgium, but so did Pochettino and the other USMNT coaches and players. At the time the decision was announced, the team was already deep into its preparations for Belgium. Presumably, the lineup and tactics for the game were made with the assumption that Balogun had no part to play.
Would it be wise for Pochettino to throw that preparation out the window? Granted, no other lineup changes are expected or needed, and the rest of the USMNT players won't need to adjust to playing alongside Balogun. But a last-minute change to the lineup, even for a player like Balogun, does risk disrupting the game plan Pochettino has in mind for Belgium.
There is no shortage of opinions about FIFA's decision to take back Balogun's ban for the Belgium match. Some have even cried corruption, claiming that any USMNT win or future victories in the 2026 World Cup would be tainted, especially with the news that the White House placed a call to FIFA, asking for Balgoun's suspension to be reviewed. That gives the whole situation a bad look, as the U.S. Soccer Federation should not have gone along with any decision that may have been influenced by politicians.
Balogun is not looking at the defender and is trying to get the ball, the defender throws his body in the way and Balogun lands awkwardly. Never should’ve been a red, suspension would’ve been unjust. pic.twitter.com/uKBi2UHnSW
— nicky 🇺🇸🇨🇴🏴🇲🇽 (@PFF_Nicky) July 5, 2026
The only way to possibly rise above the controversy is to keep Balogun out of the starting lineup. Even if he's technically available, he doesn't have to play. That's one way to help minimize the controversy created by FIFA's decision. Of course, it shouldn't be up to Pochettino to make that difficult decision, but it's one avenue that needs to be considered.
The USMNT should play Folarin Balogun only if needed
In a World Cup knockout stage game, the goal is to advance by any means necessary. But given the circumstances, the USMNT may be better off playing Balogun only if necessary. Presumably, Ricardo Pepi was preparing to start in his absence, with Haji Wright also an option. The USMNT is capable of beating Belgium without Balogun, and they spent several days preparing to play without him.
The best course for Pochettino and the USMNT, for both on and off-field reasons, could be to start Balogun on the bench. If the U.S needs a goal in the second half, they can turn to him. If not, keeping him off the field can help to quell the controversy. None of this has unfolded in an ideal way, starting with the absurd VAR decision to give Balogun the red card. But not playing him despite FIFA's reversal might be what's best.
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