Pochettino expresses regret over involvement in Balogun red card appeal

Mauricio Pochettino, the United States men's national soccer team coach, expressed regret for not being more involved in the decision to appeal Folarin Balogun’s red card during the 2026 World Cup. Pochettino stated that the controversy surrounding the appeal altered the team's energy prior to their last-16 match against Belgium. Balogun received a red card in the US's round-of-32 victory over Bosnia, but FIFA's disciplinary committee later suspended his one-match ban for a year, allowing him to participate against Belgium. The situation drew attention after US President Donald Trump reportedly urged FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to review the case. Pochettino reflected on the aftermath of the Bosnia match, saying, "Perhaps I regret not having been more involved when the Bosnia match ended, in the situation that followed and generated everything negative that happened after." The US team had advanced through the group stage and defeated Bosnia, raising expectations for a quarterfinal appearance, but ultimately lost to Belgium 4-1. Pochettino acknowledged that changes to a player's punishment following a referee's decision could impact the match's outcome. He emphasized the need for US Soccer to streamline decision-making processes regarding appeals. He stated, "The decisions need to come from very few people, from a sports perspective and with common sense." Belgium's football federation has indicated it will not support Infantino's bid for re-election unless it receives satisfactory explanations regarding the Balogun case and other governance issues. They have requested that the matter be discussed at the upcoming FIFA Council meeting on October 15. The US team is scheduled to host Peru in a friendly in Orlando on Saturday, followed by matches against Chile, Mexico, and Canada next week.