USA’s Folarin Balogun criticized the referee’s red card in his first comments since the controversial decision.
The United States is currently preparing to play its biggest game in the history of the programs without doubt its best player in this world cup.
Folarin Balogun will have to miss Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium after picking up a red card in a dangerous, yet ugly-looking match.
In search of a loose ball, Balogun and an opponent clashed to the point where Balogun stepped on the opponent’s ankle, causing it to roll badly. The video assistant referee (VAR) ordered a review of the match, and Balogun’s fouls were deemed “serious” enough to warrant a red card.
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Referee Raphael Claus of Brazil shows a red card to Folarin Balogun of the United States, right, during the World Cup 32nd round soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The red card not only knocked Balogun out of the game and forced the USA to play the entire game with 10 players, but it also meant he would miss the team’s Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday.
In his first public comments since his dismissal (and suspension), Balogun said he did not agree with the decision.
“First and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I’m sure a lot of people know. But, you know, I think the referee’s choice was his decision, but I don’t think it was the right call,” he told reporters on Friday. “I think a yellow card would have been right because it wasn’t intentional. There aren’t many places I can put my foot in a situation like this. But it’s happened, and it’s something I have to accept and move forward.”
Folarin Balogun of the United States is shown a red card by referee Raphael Claus during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Getty Images)
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“There were a lot of different emotions. I was sad, I was happy, it was surreal to be honest,” he added. “But for me it was important to stay calm. I never want to react because of anger and emotions. There are still many people we inspire. Young children, boys and girls are watching. We have to show them the right way to handle things even when you think it’s wrong, so I felt I did that. I’m happy with the support, not only that I’m looking forward to finding out what we can do against Belgium as a whole.”
Despite the controversial decision, there was nothing the USMNT could do. Article 9.6 of the 2026 World Cup regulations reads, “No protest may be made against the referee’s decisions on match-related facts. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless otherwise provided in the FIFA Disciplinary Procedure.”
“If a player or a team official is sent off due to a direct or indirect red card (second warning), they will be automatically suspended from the next team match,” says Article 10.5.
Folarin Balogun of the United States of America leaves the field after receiving a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between the United States of America and Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026 at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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FIFA has confirmed that Balogun will only miss the Belgium game, so he is eligible to return to the quarterfinals if the USA wins on Monday.
