Mauricio Pochettino has responded after FIFA opted to suspend the one-match ban handed to US forward Folarin Balogun following his controversial red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Balogun was sent off during the United States’ 2-0 win in the round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, after appearing to catch Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic on the ankle while challenging for the ball. The dismissal carried an automatic one-game suspension under FIFA regulations.
But just days later, FIFA confirmed that the punishment would be placed on hold for a one-year probationary period, which means Balogun is available for the United States’ next match, a last-16 meeting with Belgium.
The decision has caused controversy, with UEFA saying that “when the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed” then the “integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined”.
It also prompted scrutiny after reports claimed US president Donald Trump spoke by phone with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Trump is also said to have described the lifting of the ban as “reversing a great injustice”.
Pochettino then defended the decision, saying the original punishment should never have been given in the first place.
“We celebrate that decision. We were punished enough against Bosnia-Herzegovina to play with 10 men, 30 minutes, in a decision that was completely unfair,” he said.
“But it’s not only because I am the head coach of the U.S. men’s national team, I need to defend my side.
“It’s only because I think 100 or 99.9 percent, that we all agree it was an unfair red card.”
The sending-off came as Balogun and Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic battled for the ball, with Balogun accidentally treading on his opponent’s ankle.
Many observers felt the challenge warranted only a caution rather than a straight red.
“Yellow card, I can accept that,” said Pochettino. “But red card, and punished in the way they punish us, play 35 minutes with 10 men? It’s not enough? Come on guys. If I am the opponent I say, ‘Yes, coach, you are right. You are right.’ That’s it.”
FIFA explained its position in a statement, confirming that the one-match suspension would not be enforced immediately.
In a statement confirming the suspension of Balogun’s ban, FIFA said: “In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.
“If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”
Balogun, who has been one of the United States’ standout players at the tournament, is now set to be available for Monday’s knockout match against Belgium as the backlash over FIFA’s ruling continues.