Pochettino looks back on Balogun red card, ahead to fresh start with young squad

On Friday, ahead of the USMNT’s first game of its second cycle under Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine coach revisited the Folarin Balogun red-card controversy at this summer’s World Cup.

“In the moment I didn’t understand the criticisms well, but now with time, I can see that you have to learn from mistakes and I think at times the things that happen in a tournament have to stay there,” Pochettino said.

Pochettino brought up the Balogun incident without being asked about it during Friday’s press conference. That was also the case on Thursday in a Fútbol de Primera interview with Andres Cantor, when Pochettino said:

“In the situation that later generated all of the negativity afterwards, maybe I regret not having been more inside of that decision-making process. I wasn’t involved in that decision, to overturn the red card.”

On July 5, when FIFA lifted Balogun’s suspension after action by U.S. Soccer’s legal department and lobbying by Donald Trump, Pochettino said:

“My reaction I think is like everyone that really loved that sport, and trust on the ethic and integrity. I think we celebrate all that decision.”

On July 6, with Balogun starting at center forward, the USA was eliminated from the World Cup in the round of 16 with a 4-1 loss to Belgium.

Pochettino had also said during the World Cup that he was not involved in the process to lift the red-card ban, but he described it as a “normal process” and that the “whole federation” worked on “trying to defend our situation.”

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A game too many? The USMNT’s friendly on Saturday in Orlando against Peru marks its first game in 12 weeks and will be followed by three more home friendlies: vs. Chile (Sept. 29), Mexico (Oct. 3) and Canada (Oct. 6).

“Plenty of other countries play only three this window,” Pochettino said. “I think it’s a big risk, because from tomorrow there isn’t any time to rest, lots of travel too. We weren’t involved in that planning. We understand it’s a big risk, lots of players come from preseason or early season in Europe and lots of MLS players are in a crucial moment at MLS. I’d have preferred to have much more space between games to help the guys grow in the way we want for the future.”

Pochettino has a 28-player squad at his disposal for this window’s four games with the ability to make for 11 subs in each — plenty of opportunity to test the 13 uncapped players on his young roster.

“I think all for sure they are going to have the possibility to play.” Pochettino said.

Feeling young. Pochettino said it’s exciting to have so many young players — eight teenagers and three 20-year-olds — in camp.

“They are showing their real talent because they have an amazing capacity and quality,” Pochettino said. “The energy was amazing. It was really contagious. … After talking to them, you feel younger. It’s true, it’s true! … It’s very nice to feel that. It’s [been] a long time since I felt this way working with a group of players. That is amazing for us, for the present and the future.”

Saturday’s game against Peru kicks off at 4:30 pm ET at Inter.co Stadium, home of the NWSL’s Orlando Pride and MLS’s Orlando City.

“We are going to mix a little bit, to play tomorrow maybe with some new players or young players with senior players,” Pochettino said. “It’s important, that mix. Hope that works and the rest of the games, too, that is our idea. That is what we plan and then, of course, when we observe, judge the players, maybe some players need more time. Maybe not to play the first game or the second, maybe the third.”

Orlando Connections. One of the teens, 19-year-old Justin Ellis, is based here with Orlando City. The center forward has one goal and nine assists in 19 MLS games. Among the squad’s most experienced players, although he’s only 22, is outside back Alex Freeman. Both hail from South Florida, were brought to Orlando City by Academy Director Javier Carrillo, and reached the first team via Orlando’s academy and its MLS NEXT Pro team.

“When I first saw the initial roster, and I saw Justin on it, it made me happy,” said Freeman, whose 22 caps include all five U.S. games at the 2026 World Cup, at which he scored and assisted. “I know how much it took for him to get here. He’s gone through the same pathway as me, being able to be successful in such a short amount of time like myself.”

LaLiga Lessons. Freeman moved to LaLiga’s Villarreal in January and struggled for consistent playing time, but he started its last two games.

“When I first got there I struggled a little bit,” Freeman said. “I’m used to more space … more freedom. In Spain it’s more structural. It’s more, how can we keep the structure? How can we be more disciplined? It’s something that I needed to adjust to, but something that has been good for me. Spain’s the kind place I needed to go to get out my comfort zone.

“A lot of guys on the team have helped me. It’s a very family-oriented team. Now I feel like I’m situated and fit in the way I wanted to.”

He says the language barrier is diminishing and the cuisine suits him.

“I’m still learning more and more Spanish as I go and becoming more accustomed to the whole environment, the culture. I want to be able to take it all in. And the food’s good! Paella, croquetas, patatas bravas … I’m loving it. It’s very healthy as well, which is very good for me.”