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Youri Tielemans has explained that FIFA’s contentious decision to cancel Folarin Balogun’s red card became a major source of motivation for Belgium in their World Cup win over the USMNT. The midfielder said the drama around the striker’s availability created a feeling of unfairness that helped drive Belgium to a commanding knockout-stage victory.

Build-up to the round-of-16 meeting was overshadowed by reports that US President Donald Trump had personally stepped in to make sure Balogun was available to face the Red Devils. The USMNT forward had been sent off in the previous round against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but his one-match suspension was astonishingly put on hold for a year after talks between the White House and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Tielemans opens up on Belgium’s dressing-room response

Speaking from Manchester United’s pre-season camp in Ireland, Tielemans said the call to let Balogun play ended up giving Belgium extra incentive. “Yeah, I think that is part of the game, you know,” the midfielder said. “We were surprised by the decision to revert the red card and his suspension.

“Now, for us, it did not really change anything other than the preparation leading up to the game because it is a different type of player than the other player that was meant to play. But other than that, we were very calm and we just accepted our fate and tried to have a good game.”

Belgium’s players later made fun of the episode on the pitch, with several stars breaking into the Trump dance after scoring in the 4-1 win. In spite of the USMNT’s effort to gain an edge through the appeal, Belgium controlled the match in Seattle. Tielemans added: “The celebrations afterwards were nice and funny and it was all good.”

Manchester United’s new midfield engine

Tielemans is now turning his attention to club football after sealing a £35m move from Aston Villa as part of Michael Carrick’s rebuild at Old Trafford. The 29-year-old, who made more tackles than any of his Villa team-mates last season, feels he has joined the Red Devils while at the peak of his game.

“I think it’s a great step up for myself. The club is in a great place, and I feel like there is a lot of ambition inside the club,” Tielemans said during his unveiling. “I have a lot of experience. I'm 29 years old and I’m ready to push on and make the next step in my career. That’s why this is the perfect club for me. They want to win and, hopefully, be really good on the pitch, so that’s why I chose to come here.”

Injury concerns and pre-season progress

Despite his excitement, Tielemans is still working his way back to full fitness after picking up an injury during the demanding World Cup schedule. Looking back at the physical strain of the tournament, he said: “The thing is, at the World Cup, I think we played 120 minutes against Senegal, and from there we had less time in between games. So we played the US I think three or four days later, and then three days later we played against Spain. In the warm-up, my body just switched off for some reason.

“I do not think I am a player that I absolutely need a rest. Obviously, there are a lot of games and the manager needs to manage the team, but when I am good, I am good, you know.

“Unfortunately, my body is, when it does not go well, then I will know straight away and I will alert the manager, but it does not happen often.”

The midfielder could now feature for United in their friendly against Leeds United in Dublin as he builds towards the Premier League opener against Hull City.