Folarin Balogun has conceded that Belgium were the superior side after the United States suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, played in Seattle.

The match carried significant off-field tension. Balogun had been issued a red card in USA's previous group-stage game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which should have ruled him out of the round-of-16 tie. However, FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban following reported lobbying by U.S. President Donald Trump — a decision that drew sharp condemnation from the Royal Belgian Football Association and UEFA, who described it as political interference in the sport.

Despite the controversy, Balogun was named in the starting lineup, but the intervention did little to alter the outcome. Belgium dominated from start to finish and secured a commanding victory that sent them into the quarter-finals, where they will meet Spain.

Speaking after the final whistle, Balogun made no attempt to deflect from the result.