SOCCER: Balogun is quiet on pitch after kicking up an international storm

SEATTLE — After dominating football headlines for the past 24 hours, U.S. striker Folarin Balogun had little impact as the United States was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday.

Balogun, 25, entered the match in strong form after scoring three goals and playing a key role in helping the United States top its group and defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.

His availability for the Belgium match had been in doubt after receiving a red card against Bosnia, which carried an automatic one-match suspension. However, FIFA later overturned the ban in a controversial decision that drew widespread criticism. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed credit for the reversal, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino insisted the organization's judicial bodies acted "independently and autonomously."

The decision sparked accusations that FIFA had yielded to political pressure. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia also questioned the ruling, joking that it "must be April Fool's Day."

Balogun's background also attracted attention during the controversy. Born in New York to a Nigerian mother who was unable to return to London late in her pregnancy, he acquired U.S. citizenship by birth. He was taken to Britain as an infant, where he grew up before eventually choosing to represent the United States internationally.

Despite the attention surrounding the decision, U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams said the squad was largely unaware of the controversy leading into the match.

Balogun received a warm reception from the Seattle crowd when he entered the field, but Belgium's disciplined defense kept him quiet throughout the game.

"He tried today to be a presence and a nuisance, and at times he was getting the ball in behind and doing what he does, just didn't have too many opportunities," Adams said.

Belgium limited Balogun to three shots, with only one on target. He still contributed to the Americans' lone goal by winning the free kick that Malik Tillman converted in the 31st minute.

Beyond that, the United States created few clear scoring chances as Belgium secured a convincing victory to advance to the quarterfinals. -Reporting by Dan Catchpole in Seattle; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters