FIFA’s reversal fuels US hopes, Pochettino hails ‘enough punishment’

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino defended FIFA’s Sunday reversal of striker Folarin Balogun’s suspension, saying the US men’s national team had been “punished enough” after the red card that came in the 64th minute of their 2‑0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California. The red card was issued after a video review showed Balogun’s right foot striking the back of a Bosnian defender’s right ankle. FIFA responded by placing Balogun on a one‑year probation instead of a suspension. FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun would be eligible for the Monday Round of 16 match against Belgium. The governing body noted that its disciplinary system does not include an appeals process for such reversals. Pochettino told reporters at Lumen Field that “we were punished enough to play with 10 men for 30 minutes in a decision that was completely unfair.” He added that he was not involved in the reinstatement effort, which was handled by US Soccer Federation chief executive J.T. Batson.

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President Donald Trump issued a statement thanking FIFA for “doing what was right” and claimed he had contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to prompt a review. Pochettino said he was “too busy” with training to check social media and was unaware of Trump’s comments. Belgian coach Rudi Garcia joked that the World Cup date seemed like “April Fools,” expressing surprise at the decision. Pochettino replied that he knows Garcia, calling him a great coach and person, and said both sides must celebrate the outcome. The Belgian federation described the ruling as “astonished” and said it would investigate options to protect fair‑play principles.

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Balogun leads the United States with three tournament goals. He said he would have understood receiving a yellow card from referee Raphael Claus. Had he been unavailable, Ricardo Pepi, who has four appearances and two starts, would have been the likely replacement. Malik Tillman added a spectacular free‑kick goal at Levi’s Stadium, and Pochettino defended VAR while arguing the problem lies in its application. He concluded that football’s “magic” unites people and the country, and urged his squad to focus on the upcoming game.