‘It had no impact’: USMNT insist Balogun political circus did not affect World Cup exit

The US men's national team lost 4-1 to Belgium in a World Cup last-16 match Monday, with forward Folarin Balogun appearing in the starting lineup after a red-card suspension was reversed through a stay granted by US Soccer and the Trump administration. Coach Mauricio Pochettino insisted the controversy surrounding Balogun's reinstatement had no bearing on the loss, saying the team faced "bigger problems" in their comprehensive defeat by a superior Belgian side. Balogun, who contributed to the Americans' only goal, was serviceable but not decisive in the match.