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SportsTim Ream disagrees with Balogun over USMNT World Cup red card controversy
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USMNT defender Tim Ream has publicly disagreed with teammate Folarin Balogun's claim that the controversy surrounding Balogun's overturned red card put pressure on the team during the 2026 World Cup. Balogun's red card was overturned by FIFA after intervention from President Donald Trump, making him available for the round of 16 match against Belgium, which the US lost 4-0. While Balogun said the situation created pressure on his teammates, Ream argued that the attention was on FIFA and the decision-making process, not the players. Ream stated that the team was excited about Balogun's availability and that the controversy only highlighted flaws in FIFA's disciplinary process. Balogun failed to score in the match.
Source report
One of the most debated topics of this summer's World Cup has been FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card.
The ruling even prompted President Donald Trump to intervene, ensuring the USMNT striker was available for the Round of 16 match against Belgium.
Although Balogun's availability ultimately did not change the result, FIFA's decision sparked significant controversy among soccer fans. Mauricio Pochettino's squad found itself under intense scrutiny due to Trump's behind-the-scenes involvement in the process.
Balogun has since broken his silence on the red card controversy, admitting he felt the situation placed real pressure on his teammates. However, it appears not all of his USMNT teammates share that view.
Tim Ream's Response to Balogun's Comments
Ream, who played in the defeat against Belgium but was unable to prevent Rudi Garcia's side from scoring four goals, said the only pressure resulting from the suspension reversal fell on FIFA — not the USMNT.
"Honestly, I think everybody's perspective in that moment is probably going to be different. We're all approaching him saying, 'Oh, this is incredible! The red card's been overturned; you can play now.' That's obviously great for the team — everybody's available and everybody can contribute."
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"It put more eyes on FIFA and the process, and why it was a red card to begin with."
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"For me, if I look at it, I think guys were excited. Again, from his perspective, maybe it was all the attention that it was bringing, and that's a unique thing. There are 26 guys within the team, right? Everybody's going to feel something different, so perspective is everything. If that's what he felt, then that's what he felt."
Ream elaborated further:
"I don't think it put extra pressure. I think it put more eyes on the FA, the process, why it was a red card to begin with, how it came to be, and why it has been overturned."
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"But for us, we're players. We can't focus on or control any of what is going on on the outside or the decisions that are being made."
Context
- Trump has faced criticism for his role in having Balogun's suspension lifted, with the U.S. President clearly exerting significant influence on the decision-making process.
- Balogun, 25, was ultimately unable to score in the Round of 16 match against Belgium despite being given the opportunity to play.
Originally reported by Brogan Clasper for HITC
Source
Yardbarker: SoccerWestern
Part of this Story
USMNT's Balogun Red Card Unappealable, Will Miss World Cup Match vs Belgium