SEATTLE — After the Royal Belgian Football Association released a 283-word statement saying it was “astonished” at Folarin Balogun’s reinstatement, manager Rudi Garcia compared it to April Fools’ Day at his pre-match press conference. “I didn’t know that July 5 was equal to April 1 at FIFA,” Garcia said in French, through an interpreter. “We’re not defending the national team or federation,” Garcia continued. “We’re defending in football. … It’s the first time in World Cup history that such a decision is taken. I am a head coach, I will focus on my team, on tomorrow’s game. Regardless of the 11 starting players from the U.S., I will focus on my team.” Belgium coach Rudi Garcia speaks at a World Cup press conference on July 5, 2026. Getty Images Garcia and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois attemp