BRUSSELS — In a bizarre twist of fan affection, Folarin Balogun, the U.S. striker who did not set foot on the pitch, emerged as the unlikely hero in a World Cup game that had nothing to do with his team. This occurred during the televised match between Brazil and Norway, a game that has sparked conversations far beyond the boundaries of the field.

FIFA recently lifted a one-match ban on Balogun, allowing him to participate in the upcoming game against Belgium. This decision stirred strong reactions, especially from Belgian fans and media who seemed more preoccupied with Balogun's reinstatement than the on-field drama unfolding between Brazil and Norway.

Belgian national broadcaster RTBF’s coverage was notably divided, with significant airtime given to discussions about the FIFA ruling during the halftime break. The focus on Balogun was so pronounced that, astonishingly, he was voted the third "darling of the match" by viewers, securing 17 percent of the votes, despite being over 2,000 miles away from the actual game.

The players who were physically present at MetLife Stadium did claim the top two accolades, with Norway’s goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland taking the lead followed by double goal-scorer Erling Haaland. Their stellar performances, however, seemed overshadowed by the virtual presence of Balogun, whose unexpected nomination has sparked both amusement and bafflement.

This peculiar incident highlights not just the global and often unpredictable nature of fan engagement in football but also raises questions about the impact of media focus and public sentiment on the perception of players. As the World Cup progresses, all eyes will no doubt be on Balogun when he finally takes to the field, with fans eager to see if his play matches the hype generated from a game he never played.