USA World Cup Star Folarin Balogun Cleared to Play After Red Card Controversy

USA World Cup player Folarin Balogun has been cleared to participate in Monday’s match against Belgium in the Round of 16. This follows a controversy over his red card issued during the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Balogun received the red card after stepping on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic’s foot. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus halted the match for a VAR review to assess if Balogun had committed a severe foul.

After the review, Balogun was dismissed. The incident was reported by The Athletic, which highlighted a section of FIFA’s disciplinary code stating the judicial body can fully or partially suspend disciplinary measures.

“If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement,” the code specifies.

Fox Sports confirmed Balogun’s eligibility to play, noting the incident should not have been flagged.

FIFA decided to suspend the ban for a year-long probationary period. U.S. Soccer expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating, “We accept the Disciplinary Committee’s decision and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow.” The team emphasized their focus on the match against Belgium in Seattle.

Balogun, who scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressed reporters about his red card. He insisted the action was unintentional and felt a yellow card would have been more appropriate. Despite the incident, he accepted the referee’s decision and chose to move forward.

Balogun shared, “There’s been lots of different emotions. But for me, it was just important to stay calm. Little kids, boys and girls are watching. We have to show them the correct way to handle things even when you think it’s unjust.”

U.S. Soccer cannot appeal the decision. According to Article 9.6 of the 2026 World Cup regulations, referees’ decisions regarding match facts are final and immune to appeal, unless stated otherwise in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

Article 10.5 stipulates that players sent off with a direct or indirect red card face automatic suspension from the next match.