The U.S. men's national soccer team advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 following a shutout victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1, 2026, at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California. However, the team will face Belgium without striker Folarin Balogun, who was issued a red card during the match.

Balogun scored the opening goal in the 45th minute but was sent off in the 64th minute after a clash with Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic. The foul was initially not called, but the video assistant referee (VAR) deemed Balogun's play dangerous and recommended the referee review the incident on the pitchside monitor. Referee Raphael Claus then issued Balogun a red card for serious foul play, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension under FIFA World Cup regulations.

The suspension means Balogun will miss the next match against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16. Despite the setback, the U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged the fans and the team's victory in the locker room.

Some observers expressed that the red card was unfortunate and not warranted as a red card offense. It was described as a normal football action with two players challenging for possession, and the contact was considered accidental without intent to harm.

Sources

Notable Quotes

  • "The VAR believed Balogun was dangerous in his play and recommended the referee visit the pitchside monitor to review," ESPN reported.
  • "Balogun can feel unfortunate to be red carded in this situation as, in my opinion, this was not a red card offense."
  • "It was purely accidental and an unfortunate result from two players challenging for possession of the ball in a normal football movement."
  • "If the intention is to damage the opponent, OK, I understand. But that was a normal action in football that you are, you know, fighting for the ball and your feet land, no?"
  • "U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledges the fans after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match, July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, Calif."