‘You Have To Learn From Mistakes’: Pochettino Reflects On Balogun’s World Cup Red Card

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino has admitted he should have been more involved in the decision to appeal Folarin Balogun’s red card during the World Cup, saying the controversy changed the atmosphere around the team before its knockout clash with Belgium.

Balogun, who had emerged as the United States’ top scorer with three goals, was sent off during a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32. FIFA later lifted his suspension, allowing him to play against Belgium in the round of 16.

The decision became highly controversial after US President Donald Trump spoke with FIFA leadership about the case. Trump praised the move, while Belgium reacted angrily. The decision was reportedly the first time since 1962 that a red card at a World Cup did not result in a suspension.

Pochettino said he initially did not fully understand criticism of his limited involvement in the appeal. Looking back, however, he acknowledged that he should have played a greater role.

“At the time, I didn't fully understand the criticism,” Pochettino said Friday. “But now, with the benefit of time and looking back on it, the truth is that you have to learn from things, from mistakes.”

The coach said the lifting of Balogun’s suspension changed the team’s energy and made it difficult to properly analyse its performance ahead of the Belgium game.

“It was not the best environment to go to compete in a World Cup,” he said.

Belgium eventually beat the US 4-1 to reach the quarterfinals, with Balogun having little impact.

Pochettino has since signed a four-year contract extension through the 2030 World Cup. Balogun was omitted from his latest squad, with Pochettino citing a leg injury. The forward has also not played for Monaco this season after a proposed move to Everton collapsed.