The co-hosts United States claimed a 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina as the Yanks have qualified for the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, there was a big blow for the hosts, where their 24-year-old forward Folarin Balogun received a direct red card.
On Wednesday, the USMNT faced the Dragons in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. By winning this match, the USA recorded their first win in the World Cup knockout stages since the 2006 edition, while their previous WC knockout stage victory was recorded in the 2002 edition, when they defeated Mexico by 2-0 in the Round of 16.
In the Round of 32 game of the 2026 edition, Folarin Balogun scored in the 45th minute. However, he received a direct red card in the 64th minute, as the hosts were down to 10 men. They ultimately secured a strong victory after Malik Tillman added a goal in the 82nd minute.
64’: Folarin Balogun (United States) – Direct Red Card for Serious Foul Play
Folarin Balogun made a serious challenge from behind to Tarik Muharemovic, as he made a foul after making a challenge on the back left foot of the opponent player. After taking the help of the VAR, the referee showed the straight red card to the USMNT player. It was the 12th red card in the FIFA World Cup 2026, the second in the knockout stage, and first for the United States in this competition.
How many matches will Folarin Balogun miss?
Without any doubt, Folarin Balogun will be suspended for one game for receiving a red card. If there will be no further punishment, Balogun will serve a one-match ban. As the United States will face Belgium in the Round of 16, he will serve the ban during that game on Monday (6 July).
Impact of Folarin Balogun red card
Folarin Balogun’s red card will put significant impact in the team. In this World Cup, he has already scored three goals. After scoring two goals against Paraguay in their 4-1 win, he scored one goal in the Round of 32 game. After Bert Patenaude (4 goals in 1930) and Landon Donovan (3 goals in 2010), Balogun has become the third USMNT player to score more than two goals in a single edition of the World Cup.
While the United States will face Belgium in the Round of 16, Folarin Balogun can be missed badly by the hosts.
