Adams: Still find it very strange that Balogun's red card suspension was overturned so late

The USMNT was eliminated in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup following a 4-1 defeat to Belgium. American midfielder Adams reflected on that loss, the controversy surrounding Balogun's delayed red card suspension overturn, and the new generation of young American players in an exclusive interview with The Athletic.

Looking back, what exactly went wrong in the match against Belgium?

Adams: "It wasn't about what exactly went wrong, or which play or specific error led to it all. After the game, I looked at the stands and saw so many people emotional because we were knocked out, because they really believed we could go further. It was painful, truly devastating. Even more so because so many people believed in us. You'd like to be able to hear 'Country Roads' again after the game."

The classic John Denver song became the USMNT's celebration anthem after victories during the World Cup, but the loss to Belgium cut it short abruptly. Adams stated that this elimination was more painful than the Round of 16 loss to the Netherlands four years ago.

Adams: "I remember being knocked out by the Netherlands; that was very difficult for me, and painful for every player and the entire team. But back then, when you looked at the stands, you didn't see as many people who really cared about the USMNT being eliminated from the tournament."

Now, 27-year-old Adams is ready to move forward, but he believes the USMNT should seriously consider how to avoid early exits from major tournaments in the future.

Adams: "For us, the most important thing is to keep putting players in these environments, letting them experience big games. So that when they face the most important occasions, nothing shakes them. I think sometimes our entire team lacks that."

"How can we get all 25 players to do that? To adapt to these situations, no matter what role they need to play? For me, that's very important. But honestly, I don't necessarily know the answer."

Speaking about the USMNT's performance at this World Cup, Adams believes the team made people really believe in them.

Adams: "We dominated in a way that I don't think any USMNT has ever done at a World Cup before. What more do we need to do to make people believe? I think we've now made everyone believe, and the next step is to keep raising our game."

The USMNT's match against Belgium was also accompanied by significant controversy. Balogun had received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and FIFA later overturned the suspension. Former U.S. President Trump called FIFA President Infantino to demand a review of the incident, which ultimately became a motivating factor for Belgium heading into the match.

How did the team view Balogun being able to play at that time?

Adams: "To this day, I still find it all very strange because we knew as much as you did. We only found out Balogun could play when the news came out. Even he didn't know the process was ongoing. Many different factors suddenly converged."

Adams said that for him personally, Balogun being able to play was initially an advantage, not a distraction.

Adams: "Why would that affect me? We'd just gotten a very important player back on the team. But how would it affect Balogun? And how would it affect Belgium's motivation? I don't know. Why would that affect me? If anything, I thought it was an advantage for us at the time. But I don't know, I don't know what impact it had on the rest of the team; I can only speak for myself."

Balogun scored 3 goals in 4 appearances at the World Cup. Adams praised how his teammate handled the immense public scrutiny.

Adams: "Balogun is the kind of person... I don't want to say he's destined to be in the spotlight, but he doesn't actively seek it. Everything is a natural expression of his true personality. I'm very proud of how he handled it; it was very authentic, just like the Balogun we know."

Adams himself also experienced similar intense public scrutiny during the 2022 World Cup. As captain, he had a tense exchange with an Iranian journalist at a press conference before the USMNT's match against Iran. However, he believes his experience at the time and Balogun's situation now are not entirely comparable.

Adams said with a laugh: "Honestly, I don't think what he went through was the same as what I went through; they were two completely different situations. My situation back then could have even sparked a war, while his situation... might be something else entirely. But they are indeed different situations, though I can definitely understand how he felt being in the spotlight at that moment."

With the 2026 World Cup concluded, the USMNT has entered a new cycle. Coach Mauricio Pochettino called up the team for friendlies against Peru, Chile, Canada, and Mexico, with 8 teenage players, including Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan, included in the squad.

Adams himself was once a rising young star for the USMNT, making his senior international debut in 2017 at age 18. Now, he has become one of Pochettino's most trusted veteran players.

How do you assess Pochettino?

Adams: "As a head coach, I have the highest level of respect for him, but as a person, I respect him even more, because his values align with mine, including the way he respects and treats everyone."

"He really cares about you on a deeper level. I think anyone who has been in football for a long time knows that's really very rare."

Facing the new group of young players, Adams said he would welcome them and help them, while also reminding them to be patient and train diligently. Before 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti and 18-year-old Julian Gressel reported to the national team, Adams had already spoken with these two New York Red Bulls players to help ease their nerves and build confidence.

Adams: "We experienced not just one setback. They will now have time to grow the right way, step by step."

However, Adams also made clear that he would not give these players special treatment simply because of their age.

Adams: "I won't coddle anyone, believe me. No one here will be treated like a child."

"I don't care if you're from Dortmund, or if you're from Europe, I don't care where you're from. When you come to the national team, you're a USMNT player. What we need to consider is: how can we get the best out of you?"

"If I need to go into a tackle with you, I'll give my best. It doesn't matter if you're 16, 25, or 35 years old. That's my mentality, and that's how I was raised."

Finally, Adams offered his advice to these young players who hope to help the USMNT reach new heights.

Adams: "What these kids need to understand is that every day you have to do your work. If you get knocked down, if you miss a pass, or make any mistake, so what? Move on to the next play. That's how you improve."

"Now you've walked through this door, and this is your opportunity. We don't want to create inflated expectations for anyone, but the opportunity is in front of you, so seize it."

Traduzido por IA.

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