The US national team faced a disappointing exit from the World Cup on July 7, 2026, suffering a 4-1 defeat to Belgium at Seattle Stadium. The loss capped a tumultuous tournament for the co-hosts, who had high hopes of making a deep run, but were ultimately let down by poor performance and a controversial decision regarding player Folarin Balogun's red card.
Controversy Surrounding Balogun's Red Card
The buildup to the match was overshadowed by Fifa's decision to suspend Balogun's red card from the previous game, allowing him to play against Belgium. The move drew criticism from various quarters, including Uefa and political figures such as President Donald Trump, who publicly questioned the validity of the initial red card.
Balogun acknowledged the controversy, stating, "I accepted the decision when I was given the red card, and then I also accepted the decision when I was told I could play." However, despite his presence on the field, he struggled to make an impact during the match.
Pochettino's Disappointment and Team's Performance
US coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed disappointment with his team's performance, noting, "Everyone saw from the beginning that we did not connect with the game." The team, which had previously played with confidence, appeared lackluster and uncoordinated against Belgium.
