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The U.S. men's national team advanced to the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 with an inspired 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1, at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco.
It was a monumental win for the USMNT, but it wasn't without a hefty cost.
Folarin Balogun, who opened the scoring with a calmly taken finish in the 45th minute, was sent off in the second half for violent conduct after a 50/50 challenge with Bosnia centerback Tarik Muharemovic. Both players crashed into each other, and Balogun's right leg came down stud first on the back of Muharemovic's leg.
In real time, no card was given, and the referee didn't seem intent on issuing further caution to either player. However, a VAR review deemed Balogun to have committed serious foul play, and he was sent off. Much to the dismay and confusion of the USMNT.
The USMNT played down a man for the final half hour. Malik Tillman's stunning free kick sealed the 2-0 win in the 80th minute. It sets up a clash with Belgium in the Round of 16, set for Monday, July 6, in Seattle.
So what does Balogun's red card mean for the Americans going forward in the World Cup and the game against Belgium? Let's take a look.
Balogun is suspended for at least one game, per FIFA rules.
The FIFA disciplinary committee will review the red card within 24 hours of the match's conclusion and can add more games to the suspension or issue a fine if the offense was serious enough.
What they decide to do with Balogun will be critical to the USMNT's future, though it is unlikely he faces more than a one-game suspension.
Facing a Belgian side who roared back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 after extra time against Senegal, Balogun's absence will loom large as the Americans prepare for the Round of 16 showdown.
There is no appeals process for the USMNT.
After the disciplinary committee makes its ruling on the length of Balogun's suspension, the decision is final according to FIFA's rules and regulations Article 66.4.
"A sending-off automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match. The FIFA judicial bodies may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures."
By the letter of the law, it is violent conduct, and the disciplinary committee will uphold the suspension for Balogun, but it is unlikely to be more than one game.
In all likelihood, the next time USMNT fans could see Balogun, who leads the nation with three goals in the competition, in the 2026 World Cup would be a theoretical quarterfinal.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Will Folarin Balogun play vs. Belgium? World Cup suspension explained
Continue reading...
It was a monumental win for the USMNT, but it wasn't without a hefty cost.
Folarin Balogun, who opened the scoring with a calmly taken finish in the 45th minute, was sent off in the second half for violent conduct after a 50/50 challenge with Bosnia centerback Tarik Muharemovic. Both players crashed into each other, and Balogun's right leg came down stud first on the back of Muharemovic's leg.
In real time, no card was given, and the referee didn't seem intent on issuing further caution to either player. However, a VAR review deemed Balogun to have committed serious foul play, and he was sent off. Much to the dismay and confusion of the USMNT.
The USMNT played down a man for the final half hour. Malik Tillman's stunning free kick sealed the 2-0 win in the 80th minute. It sets up a clash with Belgium in the Round of 16, set for Monday, July 6, in Seattle.
So what does Balogun's red card mean for the Americans going forward in the World Cup and the game against Belgium? Let's take a look.
Will Folarin Balogun play against Belgium?
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Balogun is suspended for at least one game, per FIFA rules.
The FIFA disciplinary committee will review the red card within 24 hours of the match's conclusion and can add more games to the suspension or issue a fine if the offense was serious enough.
What they decide to do with Balogun will be critical to the USMNT's future, though it is unlikely he faces more than a one-game suspension.
Facing a Belgian side who roared back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 after extra time against Senegal, Balogun's absence will loom large as the Americans prepare for the Round of 16 showdown.
Can the USMNT appeal the red card?
There is no appeals process for the USMNT.
After the disciplinary committee makes its ruling on the length of Balogun's suspension, the decision is final according to FIFA's rules and regulations Article 66.4.
"A sending-off automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match. The FIFA judicial bodies may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures."
By the letter of the law, it is violent conduct, and the disciplinary committee will uphold the suspension for Balogun, but it is unlikely to be more than one game.
In all likelihood, the next time USMNT fans could see Balogun, who leads the nation with three goals in the competition, in the 2026 World Cup would be a theoretical quarterfinal.
Full World Cup round of 16 bracket, knockout round matchups, schedule
Round of 16
- July 4: Paraguay vs. France - Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia - shop tickets
- July 4: Canada vs. Morocco - Houston - shop tickets
- July 5: Brazil vs. Norway - East Rutherford - shop tickets
- July 5: Mexico vs. England- Mexico City - shop tickets
- July 6: Portugal/Croatia vs. Spain/Austria - Arlington - shop tickets
- July 6: USA vs. Belgium- Seattle - shop tickets
- July 7: Argentina/Cape Verde vs. Australia/Egypt - Atlanta - shop tickets
- July 7: Switzerland/Algeria vs. Colombia/Ghana. - Vancouver - shop tickets
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Will Folarin Balogun play vs. Belgium? World Cup suspension explained
Continue reading...
