Clint Dempsey isn’t one for long speeches. The USMNT legend shared his thoughts on Folarin Balogun’s red card getting overturned by reposting the news with one thing: an eyes emoji. 👀
The Monaco striker was initially ruled out for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium after a controversial red card in the group stage. But the suspension got lifted Wednesday, and suddenly the U.S. has its top scorer back for the biggest game of the tournament. Balogun has three goals in three starts at this World Cup. That’s not nothing.
Before this, Mauricio Pochettino was looking at Ricardo Pepi as the likely starter. Pepi’s a solid player — 13 goals in 41 caps — but he’s not Balogun. The difference in movement, hold-up play, and sheer confidence in front of goal is real. Starting Pepi wouldn’t have been a disaster, but it would’ve changed how the U.S. attacks a Belgium defense that’s already dealing with its own issues.
Belgium’s Still Loaded
This Belgium team isn’t the 2018 version that reached the semifinals, but they’re still dangerous. Kevin De Bruyne can split a defense with one pass. Jeremy Doku can beat anyone off the dribble. And in goal, Thibaut Courtois remains the best keeper in the world in 2026. That’s a tough draw for any team, let alone one adjusting its lineup late.
But having Balogun changes the math. He scored in all three group games and looks comfortable in Pochettino’s system. That chemistry matters in a single-elimination game where one chance might decide everything. You want your finisher out there.
Dempsey, of course, knows a thing or two about big moments. He’s tied with Landon Donovan for most goals in USMNT history at 57. Balogun has 12 in 30 caps. He’s got a long way to go to catch Deuce, but right now he’s the guy the U.S. needs.
Pochettino hasn’t confirmed Balogun will start, but the team hasn’t bothered hiding it either. All signs point to him being in the XI against Belgium. And if the eyes emoji from Dempsey is any indication, the former players are ready to watch.
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