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Tyler Adams' Honest Verdict On Folarin Balogun's Suspension U-Turn: 'It Would Feel Weird If It Was Me'
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- Tyler Adams' Honest Verdict On Folarin Balogun's Suspension U-Turn: 'It Would Feel Weird If It Was Me'
The controversial red card of Folarin Balogun was one of the big stories surrounding the US men's national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Tyler Adams says it was a different story in the locker room.
Balogun was sent off in the US team's round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina and was originally suspended for the next game against Belgium . The ban was later lifted by FIFA, which allowed the striker to play in the knockout game. The ruling sparked a lot of discussion about the USMNT , and Balogun later admitted that the controversy surrounding the ruling has been challenging to manage.
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Adams explained that the team initially assumed it would have to face Belgium without one of its leading attacking options.
"I don't think any of us had expected to go into the Belgium game with him playing," Adams said, recalling the immediate reaction after the Bosnia and Herzegovina match.
Adams Says Balogun Could Have Felt Like a Target
The United States midfielder also thought about the impact the unusual situation might have had on Balogun.
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From Balogun's point of view, it might have been weird to be coming back to the team and also being aware that his suspension was a big story.
Tyler Adams #4 of the United States stands for the national anthem before a game between South Korea and the United States (USMNT) at Sports Illustrated Stadium on September 6, 2025 in Harrison, New Jersey. Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images
Adams explained, "If it was me in that situation, it would have been weird to think that I was kind of a target." This concern was not without reason.
Belgium players and coaches acknowledged that the circumstances surrounding Balogun's return added another element to the matchup. Balogun ultimately started the game, although the US was eliminated following a 4-1 defeat.
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USMNT Players Focused on Balogun's Return
Despite the noise surrounding the decision, Adams emphasized that the mood inside the American camp was largely positive once Balogun was cleared.
"Balo's able to play. That's great news," Adams said. "In terms of the team and the morale, I think everyone's excited," he added.
Balogun had already made a big splash at the tournament, netting three goals for the U.S. However, his controversy stole the spotlight at the World Cup.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
