Balogun's red card and suspension

Folarin Balogun received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-game ban for the Belgium match.

Trump lobbied to overturn ban

Donald Trump said he personally called Fifa president Gianni Infantino to request the suspension be reviewed. Infantino says Fifa's disciplinary committee made the decision independently.

Balogun played but felt uncomfortable

The ban was suspended and Balogun played against Belgium. He later said he felt uncomfortable with the attention the situation created around him.

Belgium used it as motivation

Belgium's players and coaches said the decision to reinstate Balogun gave them extra motivation heading into the match.

US lost badly to Belgium

The US were thoroughly outclassed in a four to one loss, beaten in every phase of play.

Pochettino: energy changed everything

Pochettino said the backlash surrounding Balogun shifted the emotional energy and changed how the match was played, making tactics irrelevant.

“energy can change things. I think that energy changed the minute that happened.”

Coach regrets not being involved

Pochettino said he wishes he'd been more involved in the decision-making process and that too many people were involved in managing the situation.

“Maybe I regret not having been more involved”

Four games in one window is risky

Pochettino also criticized the schedule, saying the US playing four matches during this international window is a big risk with limited rest and heavy travel.