Pulisic defends Balogun over incident, comments on Amorim and Ramos

Christian Pulisic insists his teammate Folarin Balogun had ‘no intention to cause harm’ with a tackle that cost him a red card, which has now been suspended: ‘The most important thing is that Flo can be on the pitch.’

Milan and USMNT star Pulisic discussed FIFA’s decision to suspend the red card issued to his compatriot Balogun against Bosnia and Herzegovina, making him available for the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.

The Belgian FA has lodged an appeal, and FIFA’s unprecedented decision has been harshly disputed by UEFA and FIGC President Giovanni Malagò.

Pulisic on Balogun: ‘The initial decision was genuinely too harsh’ “If you look back at the foul, there was no intention to cause harm. I’ve seen much worse challenges in this World Cup. It was an extremely harsh card,” Pulisic told Gazzetta.

“We haven’t been here to complain or stir up controversy; we’ve tried to act professionally, and I think that when you do that, good things eventually happen.

“It’s not for me to say whether justice was served or to comment on the controversy, but I believe many might think that the initial decision was genuinely too harsh.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 19: Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States controls the ball under pressure from Harry Souttar #19 of Australia during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Australia at Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) “We appealed because we thought there was a very good chance it would be accepted, and here we are: now the most important thing is that Flo can be on the pitch.

“He [Balogun] always offers a solution, making everything simpler,” Pulisic continued.

“He’s our top scorer, but we were also prepared to play without him. We’ve prepared for every scenario. Belgium are very strong, but we won’t change our style of play. We want to remain aggressive and true to our identity. We know we can compete, and even dominate certain moments of the match, even against the best national teams in the world.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 12: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States looks on as he walks off at the end of the first half during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) Gazzetta asked the Milan star whether the upcoming match against Belgium is the most important game in his career.

“It depends on how you look at it… I’ve played in a Champions League final, but with my national team, it’s a colossal challenge,” he replied.

“Every year I see our movement growing. Having the World Cup in the United States is helping many people truly understand what this sport represents globally, and many are becoming increasingly passionate about it.”

Milan have changed deeply since Pulisic joined the USMNT for the World Cup earlier this summer.

The Rossoneri have hired ex-Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, while Portugal international Gonçalo Ramos has completed a club-record transfer, moving from PSG for €70m.

Asked whether he’s happy with Milan’s latest acquisitions, Pulisic admitted: “Yes, certainly, but right now, only the World Cup exists. Or rather, Belgium…”