US exit leaves Balogun debate in the shadow of defensive errors

The United States are out of the World Cup after a 4-1 last-16 loss to Belgium in Seattle. The debate around Folarin Balogun’s eligibility dominated the build-up, but the match itself turned on Belgium’s sharper finishing and repeated US defensive mistakes.

Balogun was cleared to play after FIFA suspended the automatic ban linked to his red card in the previous round against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The decision drew criticism and political attention, but Pochettino said after the defeat that it did not explain the result, while also expressing frustration at the wider reaction around the case.

On the field, the United States struggled to contain Charles De Ketelaere, and a costly sequence involving goalkeeper Matt Freese helped Belgium move into control through Hans Vanaken. Romelu Lukaku later added Belgium’s fourth, and the atmosphere in Seattle faded as supporters began leaving before full-time.

The defeat ends the co-hosts’ run at the same stage as Canada and Mexico, raising questions about what the tournament will leave behind in the United States. Pochettino’s own future is also unresolved, with his contract due to expire after the World Cup and talks left for later.