USA World Cup star receives red card in pivotal match
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US men’s national team star Folarin Balogun received a red card in the second half of Wednesday night’s World Cup Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
While tackling the ball, Balogun stepped on the leg of an opposing player. During the hearing, referee Raphael Claus stopped the match to look at VAR to determine whether Balogun had committed a foul that warranted a red card.
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Folarin Balogun of the United States celebrates after scoring the opening goal in the World Cup round of 32 match between the United States and Bosnia on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Santa Clara, California, near San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
A few minutes later, Balogun was shown a red card.
Balogun’s expulsion sparked outrage on social media.
The U.S. men’s national team had 10 players remaining for the remainder of the match. If the USA takes a 1-0 lead, Balogun will have to miss the Round of 16 match.
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Balogun scored for the USA in the first half.
Bosnia and Herzegovina appeared to sense some sort of momentum from the red card as they increased the offensive pressure on the U.S. men’s national team.
Balogun started the match with a few shots on target, but had one sent out of the game due to an offside decision. He then buried one with Malik Tillman’s touch. He has been one of the most exciting players for the USA in the tournament.
USA’s Folarin Balogun (20) and USA’s Christian Pulisic (10) are on standby after Balogun received a red card during the World Cup Round of 32 match between the USA and Bosnia, played on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Santa Clara, California, near San Francisco. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
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Tillman then scored from a free kick to make it 2-0.
