Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
He came to see me.
Belgium booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup with a convincing 4-0 victory over the United States on a tumultuous night as coach Rudi Garcia stole the show with emphatic comments that ended the global controversy that preceded the confrontation involving American striker Folarin.
US President Donald Trump, in a highly controversial intervention at the 2026 World Cup, said he had contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to demand a review of US forward Folarin Balogun’s red card, stressing that the incident did not merit a dismissal and that the US national team should be knocked out.
After the final whistle of the game, in case of a storm of questions from the media, Garcia came out with a clear position. “Balogun is not to blame and politics has no place in technical decisions.”
The Red Devils coach confirmed that the American coach’s decision to include Balogun in the starting line-up did not affect his team’s preparation or match plan, as Garcia said: At the meeting 24 hours after the outbreak of global controversies. “Including Folarin Balogun in the starting line-up was not a motivation for us.”
The French coach added: “It wasn’t necessary. No matter what line-up they played, it’s none of our business. The important thing is what we wanted to achieve in this game.”
Garcia’s comments came in response to pre-match clamor to overturn Balogun’s suspension amid accusations of political interference by former US President Donald Trump at FIFA.
Garcia revealed details of a sideline conversation he had with the American striker after the match, in a humanitarian moment that was widely praised. He explained. “He came to see me, which I appreciate. He’s not guilty… He’s not guilty and I told him. I appreciate that he came to talk to me.”
The French coach added, praising the player’s ability despite the Belgians’ defensive determination.
