Posted on 07/14/2026 11:23:51 AM PDT by MinorityRepublican
The United States Men's National Team had all the momentum when Folarin Balogun's red card from the Round of 32 was suspended, giving him a chance to play in the Round of 16 — at least, that's what American soccer fans thought.
The day before the USMNT's Round of 16 game against Belgium, which Balogun was originally supposed to miss because of a red card in the previous game, FIFA ruled that he would be eligible.
The ruling added to what was already a huge controversy, as it was argued Balogun should not have been red-carded in the first place. Nonetheless, Balogun was active despite an appeal and strong reaction from Belgium.
However, it was hardly a needle-mover, as Belgium embarrassed the Stars and Stripes with a 4-1 win. If anything, the needle might have moved the wrong way, Balogun himself said.
"My initial reaction was I was happy to be back in the team, but when I kind of started to reflect, I knew it was going to cause a lot of controversy, and I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves, because it is something that is so unique," Balogun told CBS on Tuesday.
"The closer we got to the game, I tried to just focus as best as I could, but it was difficult. A lot of outside noise and that’s hard to avoid."
Balogun said the entire situation was "confusing," as the team was initially practicing without him. But the team found out on the bus to practice that Balogun would be active.
"Everybody was screaming and shouting," Balogun said.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
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We’re soft if we don’t allow anti-Americanism?
That’s ludicrous, and I fully disagree.
That’s what Trump gets for helping a Nigerian :( I saw the way the US played in that game against Belgium, if I didnt think they tanked it on purpose I would think they tanked it on purpose.
LOL! You're such an ignorant stooge.............
I’ve never taken an IQ test. At least I don’t remember ever having taken one. In this case, I’m expressing an opinion rather than cold hard facts. I’m sure I’ve called many people dumbasses over the years who really weren’t dumbasses or who, in my opinion, engaged in dumbassery. I’m guessing I will have completely forgotten this whole episode within 5 minutes. Unless somebody else brings it up and I feel like chiming in. If somebody thinks I’m judging inaccurately, so be it. It’s just words. Just like soccer is just a game.
Funny how the FIFA Top Four teams all made the semis.
Well “same teams” in that the countries are the same. 12 years is a long time when it comes to roster churn. And the US still lost in the round of 16 to Belgium, it just took extra time.
Yer an ignorant stooge!
As someone said, Balogun served his red card on the field.
“Just like soccer is just a game.”
FIFA doesn’t see it as just a game.
They see it as part of their anti-American agenda.
It’s almost like the folks doing the rankings know a thing or 2. I know it’s hard to credit FIFA with anything. But sometimes. Single elimination is fun because of the random results, but the cream does tend to rise anyway.
Yep. That is why he and Pulisic should not return to the team in 2030.
FIFA would have the WC in the US every time if they could.
They are making money hand over first, by having it here.
Your comment illustrates the low IQ of FIFA.
In part, because they didn’t have to build stadiums here.
Neither this ruling nor anyone's opinion of me or my opinions affects those things so I just shrug it off and move along.
Although sometimes I do drag these things out because it appears to bother other people. The more I drink the more I enjoy it. These threads are my soccer. It's just a game. And when it's all over, life goes on. 😉
“Dumbass. Maybe next time try to not nearly break another player’s ankle.”
Dumbass comment. Video clearly shows there was no intent to cause injury. Sometimes contact happens in what is supposed to be a contact sport.
Right now, it’s goofy the way they’re using VAR.
That said, I’ve become a fan of pro Rugby which uses a TMO (Television Match Official) which is, I guess similar to soccer’s VAR. The TMO can point out foul play missed by the referee and well as help him make decisions on things like out of bounds. But the best part is that instead of the referee going to a little screen, the ref watches it on the stadium’s big screen with everyone not only watching, but hearing the conversation.
Baseball, football and soccer could easily do the same thing instead of keeping the discussions private.
Yer a dumbass comment! Video clearly shows the dumbass was trying to play the ball and dumbass ended up stepping on the other player’s ankle. I red card you!
But FIFA doesn’t speak for itself. This is the theme of the many hidden communist groups. They never publically admit their communism. And they’re the worst threat our nation has ever faced.
I appreciate your willingness to discuss—it’s another sign of intelligence. And I should emphasize something that might be a teaching moment for you: to entertain yourself by bothering others is neither good nor justified.
No, the simple truth is they just aren’t good enough.For whatever reason people in the US, and i suspect it’s mainly those who watch football once every four years, seriously thought their team might win the title. This was never going to happen, and i don’t mean it might happen only once in a blue moon, i mean not before hell freezes over.
Yes, they looked really good in the group phase, albeit against weak teams. But realistically elimination in the round of 16 was absolutely par for the course. Yes, on a (very) good day they can beat Belgium, but even though the way they lost was disastrous the loss in itself simply was the expected result.
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