SEATTLE– Folarin Balogun’s presence in the United States’ camp against Belgium had a seismic impact on the soccer world, but he ultimately played a forgettable role in the Americans’ 4-1 defeat in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday.

The 25-year-old forward, who scored three goals at this World Cup, received a red card during the United States’ victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but FIFA lifted his suspension for Monday’s match after US President Donald Trump intervened on Balogun’s behalf.

FIFA’s decision led football leaders to question the integrity of the World Cup: European football body UEFA said FIFA “crossed a red line” and Belgium’s football federation questioned Balogun’s eligibility.

“I accepted the decision when they gave me the red card and I accepted the decision when they told me I could play,” Balogun said. “I had no involvement in the process, and that’s not something that has anything to do with me personally.”

Balogun did not score on Monday. He helped set up Malik Tillman’s goal in the 31st minute when Belgian defender Brandon Mechele committed a foul about 25 yards from the Red Devils’ goal.

Tillman scored on the ensuing free throw. Just before the goal, Balogun waved his arms and cheered on the American fans.

The United States attempted to establish Balogun several times. He took advantage of his speed in several runs but could not beat Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Their best chance came in the 82nd minute, when Courtois took advantage of a left footed shot. Balogun was replaced by Haji Wright in the 92nd minute.

To a suggestion that Balogun did not have a major presence on the field, American midfielder Tyler Adams responded: “Was there anyone a major presence on the field today?”

“We were happy to have the opportunity to play,” Adams said. “Today he tried to be a presence and a nuisance, and at times he was: putting the ball in behind and doing what he does. He just didn’t have too many opportunities.”

Balogun said it was difficult to understand why the United States did not play with the intensity that the team brought in its previous matches.

“We didn’t give the crowd much reason to cheer today,” he said. “That’s the most disappointing thing and the part that hurts me the most personally.”

Last Wednesday, during the Americans’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Balogun received a red card from Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent’s ankle, resulting in an automatic one-match suspension.

After Trump spoke by phone with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for one year on Sunday.

Infantino said he played no role in the decision of the disciplinary committee, which also fined Balogun $40,000, a fine that can be paid by the U.S. Soccer Federation.

The FIFA president was present at the match and watched from a suite along with Pascale Van Damme, president of the Belgian Football Association, and Cindy Parlow Cone, president of the USSF. US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin was sitting nearby.

Belgian fans chanted “FIFA Mafia!” during their pregame march toward Lumen Field.

Balogun’s three goals tied Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second most by an American in a World Cup. Bert Patenaude holds the American record with four in the initial 1930 tournament.

Balogun, playing in his first World Cup with the Americans, became the first American player to score two goals in a tournament match since 1930. But he failed to lead the United States to what would have been its first consecutive victories in the knockout stage. The Americans’ best performance since 1930 remains their run to the quarterfinals in 2002.

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Associated Press writer Gene Johnson contributed to this report.

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