By Daily Sports Nigeria on July 9, 2026

United States striker of Nigeria descent Folarin Balogun has issued a heartfelt apology to their national team supporters following their humbling exit from the 2026 World Cup.

The Monaco striker was at the centre 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.

Despite the controversy surrounding his eligibility, Balogun started the match for the co-hosts but could not prevent the European giants from ending the American dream.

Taking to social media, the forward expressed the deep pain of the exit and took responsibility for the performance.

“My debut World Cup,” the striker began.

“It hurts to wait four years to compete at the highest level our sport has to offer. I want to say sorry to our fans, it was not good enough when it mattered most and we let you down. Soccer in America will only become bigger – the belief, the talent, and the passion is continually growing and I know the best days are in front of us, the future belongs to those who never stop believing, this moment will fuel us. We will be back. Why not us? For the nation. For the flag.”

Balogun’s tournament will perhaps be best remembered for the circus that preceded the knockout clash.

After being sent off for a challenge against Bosnia and Herzegovina, it appeared his World Cup was over.

However, an extraordinary intervention involving Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino saw the governing body unexpectedly suspended his one-match ban, a move that left the Belgian FA and the wider football world in total disbelief.

Reflecting on the noise, Balogun said he was not surprised by the controversy.

“When you’re given a red card, usually the protocol is you don’t play in the following game. Then, when that decision’s overturned, of course, it’s going to be controversial. So it didn’t really surprise me too much. But as a player my job is just to go out there and focus on my job. And I’m disappointed we weren’t able to win today. I accepted the decision when I was given the red card, and then I also accepted the decision when I was told I could play. There’s not too much else I can really say on the on the matter. All that being said, Belgium were the better team today. They played much better than us.”

With his World Cup campaign over, Balogun will now turn his attention to club football where some transfer speculations have been linking him with a move away from Monaco.

Source Punch Ng

Posted July 9, 2026

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