FIFA suspended two staff members of the United States men's national soccer team from their round of 16 match against Belgium at the 2026 World Cup. The suspension, announced on Monday, affected team manager Sam Zapatka and US Soccer Federation vice president of security Frank Pannell. FIFA did not provide a reason for the disciplinary action.
Details of the Suspension
The US Soccer Federation (USSF) did not elaborate on the cause of the suspensions on Tuesday, but clarified that the action was unrelated to the successful appeal to overturn forward Folarin Balogun's one-game red-card suspension. Balogun had been sent off in a previous match, but the USSF successfully argued for the suspension to be lifted, allowing him to play against Belgium.
Zapatka has served as the team's administrative manager since 2020 and has been with the USSF since 2015. Pannell's role involves overseeing security for the federation.
Impact on the Match
The United States was eliminated from the World Cup following a 4-1 defeat to Belgium in Seattle. The loss ended their campaign in the tournament, while Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals.
