Folarin Balogun’s World Cup heroics turned into heartbreak after the USMNT striker scored before being shown a controversial red card in the second half of the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The dismissal means Balogun will miss the Round of 16 clash against Belgium, leaving Mauricio Pochettino without one of his most dangerous attacking players.
Balogun suspended for Belgium clash
Balogun’s red card carries an automatic one-match suspension under FIFA’s disciplinary regulations. As a result, the AS Monaco forward is unavailable for the United States’ knockout match against Belgium.
The suspension is a major blow for the USMNT, as Balogun has been one of the team’s standout performers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals in the tournament.
Why did Balogun get a red card?
The incident occurred in the 62nd minute against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun challenged defender Tarik Muharemović while chasing a loose ball.
Initially, the referee allowed play to continue without issuing any card. However, after a VAR review, the official was sent to the pitch-side monitor and upgraded the decision to a straight red card.
Replays showed Balogun’s studs made contact with Muharemović’s calf before catching his ankle. FIFA officials judged the tackle to involve serious foul play, resulting in the dismissal.
Can the USMNT appeal Balogun’s red card?
No. Under FIFA’s current World Cup disciplinary rules, the automatic one-match suspension for a straight red card cannot be appealed.
If FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee were to impose an additional suspension beyond one match, the U.S. Soccer Federation could appeal those extra matches. However, the mandatory one-game ban itself remains in place, meaning Balogun cannot play against Belgium.
Pochettino disagrees with the decision
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino strongly criticized the red card after the match, insisting Balogun never intended to injure his opponent.
Pochettino argued the challenge was part of a normal contest for the ball and described the decision as excessively harsh. Several U.S. players also defended Balogun, saying the contact was accidental rather than malicious.
What Balogun’s suspension means for the USMNT
Without Balogun, the United States must find another attacking solution against Belgium in the Round of 16. His pace, movement, and finishing have been central to the team’s success throughout the tournament.
Despite playing with 10 men for nearly half an hour against Bosnia, the U.S. held firm and sealed a 2-0 victory thanks to Malik Tillman’s late free-kick. Now, the focus shifts to whether Pochettino can reshape his attack without his leading striker.
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