Marsch says Cela could only happen in United States

Jesse Marsch has openly criticised The Athletic for its coverage of the controversial decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s suspension during Coupe du monde 2026, saying the outcome “could only happen in the United States”. The Canadian coach argued that such leniency would be impossible elsewhere.

Marsch attacks The Athletic over Balogun ruling

Marsch, who was born in the United States, said Americans are “raised on propaganda from a young age, told we are the best country and deserve everything”. He added that when events escape their control, Americans feel they must be treated differently because they are American.

Balogun received a red card against Bosnia‑Herzegovina but was permitted to play the subsequent match against Belgique thanks to a suspended suspension. The reversal came after US President Donald Trump phoned FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review. FIFA later clarified that an independent disciplinary committee had made the decision.

Marsch warned that the episode reveals a belief among Americans that they deserve preferential treatment. “As Americans we are fed propaganda from childhood, told we are the greatest and entitled to everything,” he said.

He claimed this attitude “exasperates the rest of the world” and is “why the whole world hates America”. The coach said the atmosphere around the United States team changed instantly after the ruling.

Aftermath for the United States campaign

The United States had performed well earlier in the tournament but then lost 4‑1 to Belgium and were eliminated. The defeat marked a sharp reversal from the optimism Marsch described.

Former United States coach Mauricio Pochettino, who had lobbied for Balogun’s eligibility, later admitted his mistake, saying “one must have the humility to admit you can be wrong and I think my error was not being present at that moment”.

FIFA reiterated that the suspension lift was taken by an independent disciplinary panel, not by political pressure. The episode has clearly sparked discussion about the role of political intervention in sport, with pundits questioning whether future disciplinary actions could be swayed by external pressure. Both FIFA and national associations have pledged firmly to safeguard the integrity of the process.

Marsch observed that the United States team’s morale collapsed after the controversy, noting that “the United States had a good World Cup and played well. Everything changed in an instant.”