FIFA World Cup 2026: Balogun apologises to US fans after tournament exit, vows 'we will be back'
Washington, DC, July 8
Folarin Balogun apologised to United States supporters following the team's exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the disappointment of their Round of 16 defeat would fuel the squad as they look to build on a tournament that showcased the country's growing football potential.
A day after the USA's 4-1 loss to Belgium ended the hosts' dream run, Balogun shared an emotional message on X reflecting on his first World Cup campaign.
"My debut World Cup... it hurts to wait 4 years to compete at the highest level our sport has to offer. I want to say sorry to our fans. It was not good enough when it mattered most, and we let you down," Balogun wrote.
"Soccer in America will only become bigger. The belief, the talent, and the passion is continually growing, and I know the best days are in front of us. The future belongs to those who never stop believing. This moment will fuel us. We will be back. Why not us? For the nation. For the flag," he added.
Balogun's tournament ended amid controversy after FIFA suspended the one-match ban he had received following his red card in the United States' 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing him to feature against Belgium.
The decision prompted a challenge from Belgium, but FIFA dismissed the protest and upheld Balogun's eligibility for the Round of 16 encounter.
Addressing the controversy before the match, Balogun insisted he had played no role in the process that overturned his suspension.
"Of course, it's controversial when the decision is overturned. We accepted the decision when I saw the red card, and we accepted the decision when we were told I could play," Balogun had said, as quoted by ESPN.
"I was not involved in the process. It had nothing to do with me personally," he added.
Belgium, however, proved too strong for the co-hosts, securing a commanding 4-1 victory in Seattle to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Charles De Ketelaere starred with a brace to earn the Player of the Match award, while Hans Vanaken scored his first FIFA World Cup goal. Substitute Romelu Lukaku added a stoppage-time fourth, extending his scoring streak to three consecutive World Cup matches.
The United States briefly drew level through a deflected free-kick from Malik Tillman, but a costly error by goalkeeper Matt Freese allowed Belgium to regain control before Lukaku sealed the result.
The defeat ended the United States' campaign, making them the last of the tournament's three co-hosts to be eliminated after Canada and Mexico. Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals on July 10.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian who has lived in the US, I can say American football fans are incredibly passionate. Balogun's message is genuine—their team is young and improving. The red card controversy was messy though. FIFA shouldn't overturn suspensions just for hosts. If you get a red card, you serve the ban. That's basic fairness. But I admire Balogun taking responsibility for the loss.
Yaar, USA's football story is so similar to ours honestly. They have the money and infrastructure but not the football culture. Then they produce talents like Balogun—who has roots in Nigeria, UK, and now plays for US. That's the beauty of America, but also their challenge. They need more grassroots development. India can learn from both their successes and failures.
"Why not us?"—that's the attitude we need in Indian sports too. Balogun is a class act. The US had a great run till they met a top team like Belgium. Tillman's goal was pure class. But the goalkeeper error cost them dear. In big tournaments, you can't make such mistakes. Still, the US has a bright future. India should aim to be co-hosts one day with Germany or something 😄
The controversy about his red card ban being overturned is actually a big deal. If this was a smaller nation, FIFA wouldn't have done this. Belongs to Belgium to challenge it. But Balogun handled the questions well—he said he wasn't involved. Still, the optics are bad. The US should have won without needing such favours. 4-1 loss shows they weren't ready for Belgium's level. Hard luck though!
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