Balogun’s Red Card Clouds USMNT’s 2026 World Cup Progress
The United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) faces a setback during their successful run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Star striker Folarin Balogun received a red card in the 64th minute of their 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina during the Round of 32 on July 1.
FIFA confirmed on July 3 that Balogun will be suspended for the US’s Round of 16 game against Belgium scheduled for July 6. Should the USMNT proceed to the quarterfinals, Balogun will rejoin the lineup.
Balogun discussed the incident during Friday’s training session. He expressed relief his suspension lasts only one game. He emphasized the unintentional nature of the incident and disagreed with the referee’s decision, suggesting a yellow card would have been more appropriate.
“It’s important for me to say, obviously, first and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I’m sure a lot of people know,” Balogun said. “I think the choice of the referee was, of course, his choice, but I don’t think it was the correct call. I think a yellow card would have been fair.”
Balogun also described his emotional challenges after the red card, highlighting the importance of maintaining composure and setting a positive example for young fans. He expressed gratitude for the support and conveyed optimism for the upcoming match against Belgium.
His goal in the 45th minute put the USMNT ahead before his ejection, marking him as the first since France’s Zinedine Zidane in 2006 to score and receive a red card in a World Cup knockout match.
The incident occurred as Balogun and Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic contended for the ball, leading to a review by VAR and the subsequent red card. USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino and teammate Christian Pulisic both defended Balogun, suggesting that a red card was undeserved.
Despite differing views, the reality remains that Balogun’s absence will challenge the USMNT in one of its most crucial matches to date. Balogun, 25, currently leads the team with three goals in his debut World Cup. Coach Pochettino must strategize to compensate for Balogun’s absence and maintain momentum in pursuit of advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.