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The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) booked their spot in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 triumph over Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the victory was overshadowed by a controversial red card issued to Folarin Balogun, who had earlier scored the opening goal in Santa Clara. The AS Monaco forward was shown a straight red in the 64th minute following a VAR intervention, and despite strong objections from the American camp, the decision stands. Balogun will now miss the upcoming Round of 16 clash against Belgium, with US Soccer confirming that there is no avenue to appeal the ruling.

Controversy at Levi’s Stadium

The flashpoint took place in the 61st minute when Balogun, after giving his team the lead, appeared to make awkward contact with Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic. Initially deemed an accidental collision, referee Raphael Claus was advised by VAR to review the footage. After examining the replay on the pitchside monitor, Claus returned to issue a red card, making Balogun only the fourth player ever to both score and be sent off in a World Cup knockout fixture.

Balogun looked devastated as he left the field, comforted by his teammates. Despite playing with ten men, Mauricio Pochettino’s men displayed remarkable grit, with Malik Tillman’s free kick sealing a 2-0 victory and ensuring progression to the next round.

Why the USMNT Cannot Appeal Balogun’s Red Card

The American side faces a major setback as FIFA regulations leave no room for appeal. Under Article 10.5 of FIFA’s 2026 World Cup rules, any player shown a direct red card is automatically suspended for the team’s following match. Although many US supporters had hoped for an exception, a FIFA spokesperson clarified that teams are not permitted to contest a standard one-match suspension. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee only reviews cases when additional matches are added to the suspension beyond the automatic ban. Consequently, the Stars and Stripes must face Belgium without their top scorer.

'I Think It’s a Bit Bogus'

The USMNT squad has rallied behind Balogun, with Christian Pulisic leading the show of solidarity. Speaking after the match, the AC Milan attacker voiced his disapproval of the decision. “Just so unfortunate, honestly. Looking back, it seems so harsh for us to get that for him,” Pulisic said. “I just told him that he’s done so much for us, and now we’ve got his back. I don’t know the exact rules, but watching it again, it’s disappointing. I understand it can be seen as dangerous, but he’s just trying to plant his foot, and it wasn’t high on the opponent’s leg. It’s just really unlucky.”

Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie also criticised the decision, describing it as overly harsh. “I mean, I think that’s a bit... at this stage of the tournament, where every player is vital, I think it’s a bit bogus,” McKennie remarked. “At the end of the day, my job is to go out there, get points and win matches. Whether we’re a man down or missing a player next game, the next guy will step up and do what he can for the team to keep us moving forward.”

Balogun to Miss Belgium Clash

With the red card ruling final, the USMNT technical staff must now plan for life without Balogun as they prepare for a tough encounter against Belgium. The focus will shift to tactical reshuffles, with Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright expected to fill the void up front. While the team remains confident and united, losing their main striker ahead of such a crucial knockout tie is a setback they would have preferred to avoid.