Folarin Balogun red card, explained: What controversial call means for USMNT star’s availability for Round of 16

The United States felt they had a soft draw when they were matched up against Bosnia and Herzegovina to begin the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage.

However, the task became much more difficult just past the hour mark as Folarin Balogun was sent off after a pitch-side review by the referee.

With the USMNT leading 1-0 on a first-half goal from Balogun, the AS Monaco striker was given a straight red card that reduced Mauricio Pochettino's side to 10 men, forcing the World Cup co-hosts to protect their slim lead for half an hour in order to reach the Round of 16.

Why was Folarin Balogun red carded?

Folarin Balogun was sent off in the 65th minute of the World Cup Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for serious foul play.

During a 50/50 challenge for the ball, Balogun caught Tarik Muharemovic on the ankle as the two came down to the turf.

This play is being reviewed for a potential red card against the US pic.twitter.com/EdyPpgpycA

It was a truly ludicrous decision. Brazilian referee Rafael Claus had let tons of physical play go all throughout the match, refusing to give yellow cards as Bosnia and Herzegovina battered U.S. players repeatedly.

Then suddenly, VAR buzzed in and changed the game, reacting to the injury rather than assessing the play itself. The play looked much worse in slow motion, as Balogun's foot landed on the back of Muharemovic's ankle.

In reality, both players were in the air when contact began, with Balogun looking at the ball the entire time. It was a fluky play rather than a malicious tackle from the U.S. striker, and never should have resulted in a red card. Not only was it the incorrect call in the moment, it was completely inconsistent with the way the game had been officiated up until that point.

MORE: Can FIFA rescind a red card on appeal?

How long will Folarin Balogun be out?

Folarin Balogun will now be suspended for at least the next match, meaning the USMNT striker will be absent should they advance to the Round of 16.

He could be out even longer if FIFA decide to extend the suspension further, which they have the capability of doing.

Unfortunately, it's not possible for the U.S. can appeal the decision in the hopes of having the suspension reversed, as there is reportedly no appeal process in the 2026 World Cup.

Reaction to Folarin Balogun red card

Live on the Fox broadcast, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg showed clear disdain for the decision to show a red card to Folarin Balogun.

"This is not consistent with what I've seen the rest of this tournament," Clattenburg said on the broadcast while the play was being reviewed. "When this type of challenge comes, it's more of a stepping action, and when it's a stepping action it lacks force and aggression. The problem you have is when he puts his foot down, he puts it down on the foot of the Bosnia and Herzegovina player. So that's what creates the movement down and creates the ankle twist. So does it endanger the safety of the opponent? You could argue it does, but I think it's slightly unfair because it's more of a stepping action and lacks force and intensity."

Fox analyst Stuart Holden, a former USMNT international himself, also disagreed with the call, pointing out that Balogun "didn't even see Muharemovic coming," with the Bosnia defender "jumping in front" of Balogun at the last moment.

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino couldn't believe it, showing genuine confusion at the moment the review was recommended.

USA manager Mauricio Pochettino could not believe this red card decision pic.twitter.com/c2AodkNROp