Why Folarin Balogun is a headache for Belgium as USMNT seeks first World Cup quarterfinal since 2002
The USMNT is seeking its first World Cup quarterfinal since 2002, and the team's chances have improved with the return of striker Folarin Balogun, whose red-card ban was suspended by FIFA. The Americans will face Belgium in the Round of 16, a team they have beaten only once in six meetings. The USMNT's confidence and technical quality have grown, and they are now favorites to advance, with Balogun's return allowing them to maintain their aggressive playing style.
- ▪Folarin Balogun's red-card ban was suspended by FIFA, allowing him to play in the USMNT's Round of 16 match against Belgium.
- ▪The USMNT has beaten Belgium only once in six meetings, but this American team is confident and technically skilled.
- ▪The return of Balogun allows the USMNT to maintain its aggressive playing style, which has been successful in victories over Paraguay, Australia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
World Cup 2026 Soccer Why Folarin Balogun is a headache for Belgium as USMNT seeks first World Cup quarterfinal since 2002 By Michael Duarte Published July 6, 2026, 11:57 a.m. ET (function() { var overlay = document.getElementById("nyp-player-lcp-overlay"); if (!overlay) { return; } function hideOverlay() { overlay.remove(); } function afterDCL() { requestAnimationFrame(hideOverlay); } if (document.readyState === "loading") { document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", afterDCL, { once: true }); } else { afterDCL(); } })(); See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google SEATTLE — A day ago, the United States appeared to be staring at the biggest match in modern history without its most dangerous striker.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from New York Post
