A heated debate ends with a harsh American exit.

The presence of American Folarin Balogun on the field with his national team against Belgium had a significant impact on the world of football, but he appeared very dull in the United States' harsh 1-4 loss during the match held on Monday evening local time in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

Balogun (25 years old), who scored three goals in this edition of the World Cup, received a red card during the United States' victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA lifted the one-match suspension against him on Monday after intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump.

FIFA's decision led football leaders to question the integrity of the World Cup, with the European football governing body (UEFA) stating that "FIFA crossed the red line," and the Belgian Football Association filed a challenge regarding Balogun's eligibility to participate.

Balogun did not score in the match, but he contributed to the goal scored by Malik Tillman in the 31st minute when he was fouled by Belgian defender Brandon Michel about 25 yards from the goal of the team nicknamed "the Red Devils."

Tillman scored from the subsequent free kick, and just before the goal, Balogun waved his arms, encouraging the American fans.

The U.S. team tried to create chances for Balogun several times, as he utilized his speed in many attacks, but he was unable to get past Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

His best opportunity came in the 82nd minute when Courtois saved a shot from him with his left foot, before the Monaco player was substituted in the second minute of stoppage time.

During the U.S. team's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina last Wednesday in the Round of 32 of the World Cup, Brazilian referee Rafael Klaus showed Balogun a red card for stepping on the ankle of an opposing player, resulting in an automatic one-match suspension.

After a phone call between Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA's disciplinary committee decided to suspend the penalty for one year.

Balogun finished the current World Cup with three goals, equaling Landon Donovan's record in the 2010 tournament in South Africa as the second-highest American goal scorer in World Cup history.

Bert Patenaude holds the American record with four goals in the inaugural tournament in 1930.

Balogun, who played in his first World Cup with the U.S. national team, became the first American player to score two goals in a single World Cup match since the 1930 edition. However, he was unable to lead the United States to its first consecutive victory in the knockout stages.