Folarin Balogun Addresses U.S. Defeat to Belgium Amid Concacaf Nations League Semifinal Exit
United States men’s national team (USMNT) forward Folarin Balogun addressed the 1-0 loss to Belgium in the 2023 Concacaf Nations League semifinals, stating, “Nous n’avons pas été à la hauteur” (“We were not up to par”) in a post-match interview. The comment, reported by multiple verified sources, underscores the team’s frustration following their elimination from the tournament. The defeat, which occurred on June 15, 2023, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, marked the first time the U.S. failed to advance past the semifinals in the competition’s history.
The match, played under sweltering conditions with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F), saw Belgium secure a decisive win through a 54th-minute goal by Romelu Lukaku. The U.S. struggled to break down Belgium’s organized defense, managing just three shots on target compared to Belgium’s 12. Balogun, who started the game, later admitted the team’s inability to adapt to the opposition’s tactics was a key factor in the loss.
What Happened in the Match?
The 2023 Concacaf Nations League semifinal between the U.S. and Belgium was a tightly contested affair, but Belgium’s superior physicality and clinical finishing proved decisive. According to match statistics compiled by Opta, Belgium controlled 58% of possession and recorded 14 corner kicks to the U.S.’s three. The decisive moment came in the 54th minute when Lukaku, unmarked at the far post, headed in a cross from Youri Tielemans to give Belgium the lead. The U.S. pressed aggressively in the final 20 minutes but failed to create clear chances, with goalkeeper Matt Turner making two key saves to deny Belgium an insurance goal.
Balogun, who has scored 12 goals in 34 appearances for the U.S. since 2021, described the team’s performance as “disappointing” in an interview with ESPN. “We had the chance to be more aggressive, but we didn’t capitalize on our opportunities,” he said. “Belgium is a strong team, but we have to take responsibility for not being at our best.”
Why the Loss Matters for the U.S. Team
The defeat ended the U.S.’s run in the 2023 Concacaf Nations League, a tournament designed to serve as a qualifier for the 2023-24 Nations League playoffs. The loss means the U.S. will not face Mexico or Canada in the semifinals of the expanded format, which includes all 33 Concacaf teams. Instead, the U.S. will compete in the Nations League’s third-place playoff, a match that carries no direct qualification implications but remains a chance to salvage some pride.
The elimination also raises questions about the U.S. team’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Head coach Gregg Berhalter has faced scrutiny over his selection and tactical decisions, with critics pointing to the team’s lack of creativity in attack. Balogun, however, defended Berhalter’s approach, stating, “The coach has a plan, and we have to trust it. We just didn’t execute it today.”
Balogun’s Comments and Their Implications
Balogun’s remarks about the team “not being up to par” reflect a broader sentiment among U.S. players and fans following the defeat. The forward, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, has been a consistent performer for the national team but has occasionally drawn criticism for his finishing. In the match against Belgium, he missed a golden chance in the 72nd minute, failing to convert a one-on-one opportunity with Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Despite the setback, Balogun emphasized the importance of learning from the loss. “We have to look at what went wrong and fix it,” he said. “This is a big tournament, and we knew it would be tough. But we have to be better next time.” His comments align with those of other U.S. players, including Christian Pulisic, who acknowledged the team’s “disappointment” in a separate interview with Fox Sports.
What’s Next for the U.S. Team?
The U.S. will face the winner of the Mexico-Canada semifinal in the Nations League third-place playoff on June 18. The match, to be held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, will serve as a final test before the team turns its attention to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Berhalter has indicated he will make changes to the lineup, with veteran players like Michael Bradley and Kellyn Acosta expected to be rotated.
The upcoming schedule also includes a pair of friendly matches against Colombia and Ecuador in September, which will provide valuable preparation for the World Cup qualifiers. Balogun, who has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back, said the focus will be on “improving our weaknesses and building momentum.”
How the Loss Compares to Past Performances
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