The U.S. men’s national team are in the World Cup Round of 16.
But advancing to the quarterfinals just got more difficult.
The Stars and Stripes will be without starting striker Folarin Balogun for the upcoming clash vs. Belgium. Balogun, who has three goals in three starts this tournament, was red carded for a serious foul play challenge in the 2-0 win vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
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After a lengthy VAR review in the second half, Balogun was adjudged to have made serious foul contact against Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic. It was not initially given as a yellow card by referee Raphael Claus. The U.S. went down to 10 men for the rest of the game as Balogun emotionally walked off the pitch.
Then came the big question: Can Balogun appeal the red card and be available vs. Belgium? It appeared to be an unlucky and unintentional challenge than one of clear intent.
However, the U.S. and Balogun cannot appeal.
Article 10.5 of FIFA’s regulations for the 2026 World Cup says:
“If a player or team official 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. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.”
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FIFA’s judicial bodies, however, can impose additional match suspensions or other disciplinary measures.
Balogun will not be eligible to play vs. Belgium, but he can be present in the stands at Seattle Stadium. He will not be able to enter the U.S. dressing room, the stadium tunnel or the team’s technical area before or during the match.
Should the U.S. advance without his presence up top, possible opponents could include Spain or Portugal depending on game outcomes.
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