NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun can play Monday’s match against Belgium in the round of 16 after all, after an outcry over a red card he received against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun received the red card after stepping on the foot of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. The red card was given after Brazilian referee Raphael Claus stopped the match for a VAR review to determine if Balogun had committed a serious foul.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Folarin Balogun of the United States walks off the field after receiving a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California (Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
It was ruled that Balogun did and he was sent away.
The Athletic, which first reported Balogun’s playing status on Sunday, noted that part of FIFA’s disciplinary code stated, “the judicial body may decide to suspend in whole or in part the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
“If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another offense of similar nature and gravity during the period of probation, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial authority and the sanction shall be carried out without prejudice to any further sanction imposed for the new offence,” the rule added.
FOX Sports confirmed that Balogun would be able to play. The report noted that the play should not have been marked for Claus.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
USA’s Folarin Balogun (20) and USA’s Christian Pulisic (10) stand ready after Balogun received a red card during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between the USA and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
FIFA confirmed that the suspension was suspended for a trial period of one year.
“We accept the Disciplinary Committee’s decision and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” US Soccer said. “Our full attention is focused on the round of 16 against Belgium in Seattle and we look forward to the continued support of our fantastic fans.”
Balogun scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He spoke to reporters on Friday about the red card.
“First of all, it was totally unintentional, which I’m sure a lot of people know. But you know, I think the choice of the referee was obviously his choice, but I don’t think it was the right call,” he said. “I think a yellow card would have been fair because it wasn’t intentional. There aren’t many places I can put my foot in a scenario like that. But it happened and it’s something I have to accept and move on from.
“There’s been a lot of different emotions. I’ve been sad, I’ve been happy, it’s been surreal to be honest,” he added. “But for me it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and emotion. There are still lots of people we inspire. Little kids, boys and girls are watching. We have to show them the right way to handle things, even when you think it’s unfair, so I felt I did that. I’m happy for the team’s support, but I don’t think we’re just all looking forward to seeing what we can do against Belgium.”
US Soccer had no opportunity to appeal the ruling. Article 9.6 of the 2026 World Cup regulations reads: “There shall be no objection to the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected to play. Such decisions are final and may not be appealed, except as otherwise provided in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
USA’s Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between the USA and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
“If a player or team manager is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match,” Article 10.5 adds.
