Pochettino regrets lack of involvement in Balogun red card appeal during FIFA World Cup 2026

Mauricio Pochettino led USA to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: AP

USA coach Mauricio Pochettino said he should have been more involved in the decision to appeal Folarin Balogun’s red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Balogun — who was USA’s leading goal-scorer in the tournament — had a dismissal against Bosnia and Herzegovina overturned when US President Donald Trump spoke to FIFA leadership, allowing him to be available for its Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

It appeared to be the first time since 1962 that a red card during a World Cup didn’t result in a suspension.

“At the time, I didn’t fully understand the criticism,” Pochettino said Friday ahead of the U.S. match Saturday against Peru.

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”But now, with the benefit of time and looking back on it, the truth is that you have to learn from things, from mistakes. And I think sometimes the things that happen during a tournament have to stay there.”

Belgium thrashed USA 4-1 in the match, and Pochettino admitted that the controversy around the decision meant that “it was not the best environment to go to compete in a World Cup.”

Pochettino has since renewed his contract with the USNMT, keeping him with the team until 2030.

(With inputs from AP)

Published on Sep 26, 2026

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