Pochettino regrets limited role in Balogun red card decision at World Cup

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino has expressed regret over his limited involvement in the appeal of the red card given to forward Folarin Balogun during the 2022 World Cup. Balogun's suspension was overturned after a call from President Donald Trump to FIFA leadership, enabling him to participate in the round of 16 against Belgium.

Balogun had been the top scorer for the U.S. team, netting three goals in the tournament before receiving the red card in a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32. Pochettino, who was unaware of the criticism at the time, now believes that mistakes made during a tournament should remain within that context. FIFA's decision to lift the suspension, a first since 1962, sparked both support from Trump and criticism from Belgium.

Pochettino acknowledged that the game's energy shifted dramatically after the suspension was lifted and that analyzing the match now is challenging due to the unfavorable environment in which U.S. faced Belgium, eventually losing 4-1. Pochettino has signed a four-year contract to coach the U.S. team through the 2030 World Cup. His initial roster for the second term was revealed last week, and Balogun, who has been sidelined due to a leg injury and did not play for Monaco this season after an Everton transfer bid fell through, is not included in the current U.S. squad.