The Belgium team vehemently opposed Balogun being allowed to play due to FIFA’s rule-bending, but in the end they had the last laugh, as the team was filmed in the locker room following the win playing ‘YMCA,’ and mocking the U.S. president’s signature dance, which he’s known to do at political rallies.
The game was only close for a fleeting 61 seconds after Malik Tillman scored on a free kick in the 31st minute, before Belgium dropped the hammer and coasted to an early win. It was an utter embarrassment for U.S. soccer, the drama that led up to the game, and leaves lingering questions about the future of the team with Mauricio Pochettino as manager and Christian Pulisic as the centerpiece star.
Belgium’s primary issue with the USMNT leading up to the game wasn’t simply that Balogun was playing, but rather the nature in which he was allowed to suit up for the USA after receiving a controversial red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16. FIFA reiterated immediately following the card that there wasn’t a way for the USA to challenge the ruling, but ultimately went back on that decision after members of the United States’ federal government, including President Trump held phone calls with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. At that point FIFA instituted Article 27, which allowed Balogun to play with a suspended red card.
The decision sent shockwaves through international soccer as numerous governing bodies, including former and current officials denounced FIFA for bending the rules. Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter blatantly called out Infantino for being corrupt in colluding with the United States to bend the rules.
It’s unclear what damage the overarching drama did to the United States in the lead up to Monday night’s game. We know the team was obviously happy to have Balogun back in the lineup, but it unquestionably altered their preparation after several days of practice where the team devised strategy without him on the pitch. Meanwhile the addition of Balogun to the lineup seemingly did nothing to hurt Belgium, who were able to continue with business as usual as they dispatched the USA.
There will be another four-year wait to see if the United States men’s team can make an impact in the World Cup. Once again, they will play second fiddle to the U.S. women’s team, who are four-time World Cup champions, most recently in 2019 — and one of the favorites to hoist the trophy in 2027.
