Balogun’s red card changes the USMNT’s Round of 16 plans
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The United States beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 to clinch a place in the World Cup round of 16, but the victory came with a major setback: Folarin Balogun will miss the next match against Belgium.
Balogun scored the U.S. opener in the first half, then was sent off in the 64th minute after a challenge with Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic. The striker’s right leg came down across the opponent’s leg and foot, and the referee upgraded the incident to a red card after a VAR review.
FIFA says the suspension is automatic
Under FIFA World Cup 26 regulations, a direct red card triggers an automatic suspension for the team’s next match. That means Balogun is out for the Belgium game, even though the United States won the match comfortably after playing more than 35 minutes with 10 men.
FIFA also confirmed the decision cannot be overturned through a team appeal. U.S. Soccer said there is no mechanism to challenge the ruling, which leaves the Americans without a formal route to get Balogun back for the next round.
Why the call stood after VAR review
The VAR official recommended an on-field review because the contact was judged to be dangerous. After watching the monitor, the referee issued the red card for serious foul play.
The initial whistle did not stop the aftermath from becoming one of the key talking points of the U.S. win. The challenge happened in real time while both players were competing for the ball, but the review process ultimately produced the dismissal.
Pochettino and teammates backed the striker
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said Balogun was upset in the locker room and argued the play did not look like an intentional attempt to injure an opponent. He said he did not believe the action met the standard for a red card.
Midfielder Weston McKennie was also critical, calling the suspension harsh in a knockout-round setting where every available player matters. Longtime referee Andy Davies, speaking to ESPN, said the tackle looked accidental in normal football movement and that slow motion made it appear worse than it was.
Balogun’s goal keeps him central to the US attack
Even with the dismissal, Balogun’s night reinforced how important he has become to the United States. His opener was his third goal of the tournament and his 11th for the national team overall.
The scoreline also showed the U.S. can manage a difficult spell defensively and still finish the job. After going down to 10 men, the Americans added another goal and protected the lead through the final stretch and stoppage time.
What comes next for the USMNT
The U.S. now turns to Belgium in Seattle with a place in the quarterfinals at stake. It will be the Americans’ fourth straight appearance in the World Cup round of 16, but they will have to chase that milestone without one of their top scorers.
Balogun’s absence forces Pochettino to rethink the attack for a single-elimination match that leaves little margin for error. The U.S. will need a different path to goal, and the red card has turned an already difficult test into a deeper personnel challenge.
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