Aston Villa have been credited with interest in Folarin Balogun, but Stan Collymore has told GOAL why Unai Emery is likely to favour another 2026 World Cup star over a United States international that made plenty of headlines at FIFA’s flagship event. The Villans are looking to bolster their ranks from back to front during the summer, with comings and goings being mooted.
USMNT star Folarin Balogun has issued a heartfelt apology to supporters following the United States' humbling exit from the 2026 World Cup. The Monaco striker was at the center of a global firestorm after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina was sensationally overturned by FIFA, allowing him to feature in the 4-1 Round of 16 defeat to Belgium.
In the moments after the United States' World Cup ended, Mauricio Pochettino was asked about his future as manager. It wasn't the time to discuss it, he said, and he was right. The aftermath of a nightmare 4-1 thrashing by Belgium was not the time to talk about whatever comes next, especially when he was the coach in charge of that collapse.
U.S. Soccer says that the federation will reengage in conversations about Mauricio Pochettino's future after a period of rest and reflection following the U.S. men's national team's World Cup exit. The USMNT lost 4-1 to Belgium on Monday, ending the team's World Cup run and, potentially, ending Pochettino's time in charge of the team.
Belgium’s World Cup dream has been hit by a devastating setback after midfielder Amadou Onana was ruled out with a serious knee injury. The Aston Villa star suffered the blow during the Red Devils' round-of-16 victory over the United States, leaving Rudi Garcia with a major selection headache ahead of their quarter-final against Spain.
Pierluigi Collina has issued a firm rebuttal to United States President Donald Trump following explosive comments regarding the integrity of World Cup match officials. The legendary former referee, now serving as FIFA's Referees Committee Chairman, moved quickly to protect the reputation of the tournament's officiating staff after personal attacks were directed at Brazilian referee Raphael Claus.
The USMNT's World Cup dreams ended in a nightmare in Seattle, but while American fans were left in tears, the Iran Football Federation was ready to celebrate. Following a tournament dominated by political tensions, Iranian officials have issued a scathing response to the co-hosts' elimination.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has defended United States striker Folarin Balogun following their World Cup round-of-16 encounter in Seattle. The pre-match build-up had been heavily dominated by FIFA’s highly controversial decision to suspend Balogun’s red-card ban, prompting widespread criticism before Belgium secured a 4-1 victory.
Belgium’s stars sent a defiant message to the White House and FIFA by performing the 'Trump dance' during their dominant 4-1 World Cup victory over the United States. The clinical performance in Seattle served as the ultimate response to the controversial reversal of Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension, a decision that dominated headlines and sparked fierce debate in the build-up to the match.
The USMNT had a chance to change perceptions on home soil, but a 4-1 loss to Belgium instead raised familiar questions about progress, pressure and missed opportunity.
Donald Trump confirmed that he asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's red card, after the American was sent off during the USMNT's fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The one-game ban imposed by the contentious decision was soon suspended for a year, leaving Balogun able to play in the U.S.'s World Cup round of 16 fixture against Belgium.
The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has launched a stinging attack on FIFA following the governing body's unprecedented decision to allow Folarin Balogun to escape a mandatory suspension. The USMNT striker was cleared to play in the World Cup round-of-16 clash against Belgium despite receiving a straight red card in his previous outing.
The World Cup was actually becoming somewhat enjoyable. After the almost complete removal of jeopardy from the group stage caused by the tournament's farcical format, the overdue start of knockout football has unsurprisingly provided us with some genuine excitement - so much so, in fact, that you've probably already forgotten how disgracefully Iran were treated by the United States. Or that referee Omar Artan - along with millions of other Africans - wasn't even allowed to attend.
UEFA has launched a scathing attack on FIFA following the governing body's shock decision to allow USMNT striker Folarin Balogun to escape an automatic suspension. The European governing body claimed the move "crossed a red line" and warned that the integrity of the World Cup is now at stake after the Monaco forward was cleared to face Belgium.
Thomas Tuchel has aimed a sarcastic jab at FIFA’s disciplinary process, joking that England captain Harry Kane should perhaps lobby US President Donald Trump to resolve the Three Lions' Jarell Quansah suspension headache. The comments come in the wake of a stunning decision that saw USMNT star Folarin Balogun cleared to play despite a straight red card earlier in the tournament.
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