The 2026 World Cup has been the major topic in the football world since it kicked off in June, Soccernet.ng reports.
The tournament began last month, and fans from all over the world have been treated to premium football excitement.
Before the start of the tournament, there was a lot of talk about one of the host countries, the USA. There was controversy regarding their ongoing conflict with Iran and their immigration laws.
However, all of that has settled down since the start of the tournament.
France forward Kylian Mbappe walks out with teammates in 2026 World Cup. Copyright:ImagoxScottxRausenbergerx
The latest major controversy, however, came on July 6, when it was announced that Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban—received after being red-carded in the USA’s game against Bosnia and Herzegovina—had been suspended by FIFA.
For context, Balogun received the punishment for a poor challenge on Tarik Muharemovic and was originally ruled out of the Round of 16 game against Belgium.
But FIFA shocked the world by announcing that Balogun would be eligible to feature because they had suspended the disciplinary decision. This marked the first time that such had happened in the history of the Mundial.
Trump on Balogun: “I saw the play, and I’m a person that loves sports … that wasn’t a foul. That wasn’t even an infraction … this referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his past. He made a call that nobody could believe … he’s our best player, or one of our best… pic.twitter.com/YfIqb1JA4u
This move has widely been criticized by football pundits and experts across the world. Even UEFA the European football governing body, have condemned FIFA.
Soccer Mutiu Adepoju Shares Take on Folarin Balogun World Cup Controversy
In an exclusive interview with Soccernet, Super Eagles legend Mutiu Adepoju spoke about the controversy, though he offered a rather coy take on the issue.
Mutiu Adepoju for the Super Eagles. (Photo by Imago)
”I don’t know what to say because it’s in the rules. After the VAR check, the referee’s decision was a red card, and if it’s FIFA that overturned it, I don’t know what to say,” Adepoju said.
”It was seen clearly that it was a red card. It might be that it was unintentional, but there was definitely contact.”
Balogun Folarin of USA and Ngoy Nathan of Belgium. Copyright: ImagoxJanxDexMeuleneirx
Despite Balogun’s presence, the USA were later dumped out of the tournament by Belgium after a poor 4-1 defeat. The Red Devils are now set to take on Spain in the quarter-final of the tournament on July 10.
Balogun could easily have been playing for Nigeria. He was born to Nigerian parents in the United States even though his parents were living in London at the time. The former Arsenal man played for England at youth level, but he later switched allegiance to USA.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.
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