USMNT player and disciplinary management

United States Men’s National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino has navigated various player availability and disciplinary issues involving Folarin Balogun.

Initially, Pochettino addressed Balogun’s absence from the roster due to a leg injury and physical unpreparedness following transfer market activity, though he noted the player had returned to training. During this period, the availability of Ricardo Pepi was also in doubt following an injury sustained during a match with FC Twente.

Later, Pochettino expressed regret regarding his lack of involvement in a controversy involving a red card received by Balogun during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following intervention from the U.S. Soccer Federation and a phone call from President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA made an “unprecedented decision” to suspend the one-game ban. This allowed Balogun to participate in the round of 16 match against Belgium, which the United States lost 4–1.

Pochettino remarked that the political and administrative circumstances surrounding the decision created an atmosphere that was “not ideal for competing at a World Cup level.” He further noted that he should have been more involved in the decision-making process to manage the situation internally and prevent the negative atmosphere that surrounded the squad during the tournament.