NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
The celebrations have begun for Team USA after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But it’s also bittersweet given that Folarin Balogun, who scored his third World Cup goal in the win, will not be available on Monday night in Seattle against Belgium after being sent off in the 64th minute in a massively controversial decision.
When referee Raphael Claus of Brazil showed the red card to Balogun, the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium crowd and the millions watching from home were stunned. Not only did the USMNT have to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the rest of the game against one man, but he would be missing the next game if they got through.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Folarin Balogun of the United States reacts to receiving a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
After the game, former USMNT star Alexi Lalas didn’t hold back his thoughts on how the game played out on the night.
“Absolutely a joke of a referee’s night,” Lalas said during the FOX Sports broadcast.
Lalas also had an interesting post on X involving Argentine superstar Lionel Messi who was invoked by many after seeing what happened to Balogun.
In Balogun’s case, it was determined that he stepped on the back of Tarik Muharemovic’s leg, leading to a rolled ankle, was enough to flash the red card after VAR review, despite both players pushing for position to receive the ball that came their way.
USA advances in WC AFTER CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD VS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Nothing was done with intent on Balogun’s end; rather, he just tried to land with his right leg after being bumped himself, and his foot unfortunately landed on Muharemovic.
Folarin Balogun of the United States receives a red card from referee Raphael Claus during the World Cup match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates)
But Lalas immediately thought of Messi’s situation that arose in Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria. Messi was trying to get a ball away from an Algerian player when he was seen digging his lump into the back of the player’s calf.
Lalas posted the clip on X with the simple caption “‘Sup,” making it pretty clear what he was referring to. Messi was not reprimanded on the pitch, or afterwards, for what appeared to be a more egregious act than Balogun given that he looked down at his opponent’s leg from behind before the flap hit the calf.
Balogun didn’t even look at the back right leg of Muharemovic, although it was clear it could have been an injury given the rolled ankle that was stepped on.
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)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Either way, the USMNT will have to think about who will take Balogun’s place against Belgium as manager Mauricio Pochettino and his staff will consider that key position against their next formidable opponent.
But this red card will be discussed in the days leading up to the next game, which will be held at Seattle Stadium on July 6 at
