Mauricio Pochettino Calls Out the Referees After Folarin Balogun's Red Card Incident at the World Cup
Mauricio Pochettino did not hide his frustration with the officiating after Folarin Balogun was sent off during the United States' World Cup clash, insisting the striker's challenge did not deserve a red card.
Balogun was sent off after he stepped on a player from the opposition while trying to take possession. Pochettino, who watched the replay, said the tackle was "unintentional" and questioned the referees on several crucial decisions during the game.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, the USMNT battled through the adversity, earning praise from its manager for the composure shown under difficult circumstances.
Pochettino Insists Balogun's 'Red Card' Challenge Was Never Intentional
Pochettino, who was speaking after the game, defended his striker and challenged the referee's decision. "After watching it on TV, it was never meant to be a player step on it, it's a normal action in football that happens by chance," Pochettino said.
The Argentine coach doubled down on his opinion, saying the challenge should not have been a sending-off. USMNT manager said, "It's never intentional. It's never a red card."
Pochettino's comments reflect growing frustration within the American camp, which felt several crucial decisions went against the USMNT throughout the contest.
Pochettino Praised USMNT Team Before Belgium Clash
While disappointed with the officiating, Pochettino was full of praise for his players' response after Balogun's dismissal.
"Today, in all the 50-50 decisions, none were for us. And the players reacted very well. We controlled that emotional part of the game that's so important."
The United States played with a numerical disadvantage, but did not let frustration get in the way. "How they managed the situation was amazing; we showed maturity," Pochettino added.
Mauricio Pochettino on the red card to Balogun: "Watching it after on TV, it was never the intention to step onto the player; it's a normal action in football that happens by accident."
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 2, 2026
"It's never intentional. It's never a red card."
"Today, in all the 50-50 decisions,… pic.twitter.com/vzCdicAjgB
The performance was a testament to the USMNT's ability to stay focused throughout the tournament, despite the coaching staff's perception of an unfair call.
Although Balogun's red card will inevitably be a major talking point after the match, Pochettino's biggest takeaway was his team's mentality. He said the players showed the emotional maturity and control to play deep into a World Cup, despite the fact that they felt the officials had been against them.
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This story was originally published July 2, 2026 at 12:51 AM.