Trump’s controversial Balogun push was all for nothing as USMNT star falls flat
The Monaco striker started against Belgium after a dramatic FIFA saga but failed to make the impact the USMNT needed.
FIFA had never seen anything like it. A country’s president personally calling the FIFA president in an attempt to overturn a suspension for one of his national team players.
It was an unprecedented moment, and Donald Trump’s plan appeared to have worked. The idea was simple: Folarin Balogun would be available for the United States, help the USMNT beat Belgium and lead the country to a historic World Cup quarterfinal appearance.
Instead, the Monaco striker endured a frustrating night and could not deliver the moment many had hoped for.
Belgium’s appeal fails as Balogun returns
Belgium tried to challenge FIFA’s decision, but the Belgian federation’s efforts came to nothing. FIFA rejected the possibility of overturning the ruling, and the Red Devils took the decision personally.
Belgium’s defenders made sure Balogun had little influence on the game, stopping the American forward from making the impact expected of him after his dramatic return.
Balogun struggles against Belgium
Before kickoff, much of the soccer world was focused on the Portugal-Spain matchup and whether Mauricio Pochettino would include Balogun in the starting lineup.
The Argentine coach eventually handed his star striker a place in the team, adding even more intrigue to an already highly anticipated matchup.
Balogun played 89 minutes and managed three shots, with only one on target. Those numbers were below his usual standards, as Belgium defenders Dodi Lukebakio and Brandon Mechele successfully limited the Monaco forward’s opportunities.
Although he struggled in front of goal, Balogun did combine with his teammates at times. He completed 14 of his 24 attempted passes, but he was unable to become a consistent threat as Belgium controlled much of the match and kept the U.S. attack at bay.
USMNT’s top scorer at the 2026 World Cup
Despite failing to score against Belgium, Balogun leaves the 2026 World Cup as the United States’ leading scorer.
The striker scored three goals in four matches, including a brace in the opening game against Paraguay. He was also decisive in the round of 32 against Bosnia, scoring shortly before halftime to give the U.S. the lead.
Those three goals put Balogun level with one of the biggest names in U.S. soccer history, Landon Donovan. The former USMNT star scored three times at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, when the United States also reached the round of 16.
By the next World Cup, Balogun will be 29 years old and will have another opportunity to match or surpass Donovan’s record on the biggest stage.
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