Folarin Balogun became the fourth player in World Cup history to both score and be sent off in a knockout match, but his red card for an accidental stamp has left the United States facing Belgium without their top scorer — and with no right of appeal.
The 24-year-old former Arsenal striker had given Mauricio Pochettino's side the lead against Bosnia-Herzegovina just before half-time, his third goal of the tournament. But after the hour mark, a tussle with defender Tarik Muharemovic for a looping ball ended with Balogun's boot landing on the Bosnian's ankle, twisting it gruesomely. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus initially did not see it as a red card, but after being sent to the monitor by VAR and watching a super slow-motion replay, he showed a straight red.
“Folarin Balogun scored then was sent off for accidental stamp; USA face Belgium without him and cannot appeal.”
"Never was this a red card," Pochettino fumed after the match. "Watching it on TV, never was there intention to step (on) the player. That was a normal action in football. That happened by accident and it's never intentional."
But the US Soccer Federation cannot appeal. Under Article 9.6 of FIFA's regulations for the 2026 World Cup, "no protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless otherwise stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code." Balogun automatically receives a one-game suspension, ruling him out of the last-16 clash with Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle on July 6. Furthermore, Article 10.5 states that "further sanctions may be imposed" by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee, potentially extending his ban to the quarter-final and beyond.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, the USA held on and Malik Tillman scored 10 minutes from time to seal a 2-0 win and a date with Belgium. "He's also happy because we qualified," Pochettino said of Balogun. "He needs to understand that this type of situation happens. I hope that, for sure, he is going to be able to help us again."
Long-time Fulham target Ricardo Pepi is the most likely replacement, although he has not scored in his 184 minutes on the pitch at this tournament or in the four friendly games before it. Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards said the players were supporting Balogun. The US now face a daunting task: overcoming Belgium without their top scorer, and with the sword of further sanctions hanging over their campaign.