Folarin Balogun red card: Why USA can't appeal World Cup call

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2 July 2026

By Justin Ruderman

The

United States

are through to the 2026

FIFA World Cup

Round of 16, but at a cost.

During Wednesday's

2-0 victory

over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, opening goalscorer

Folarin Balogun

was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute following Video Review.

The AS Monaco striker will be suspended for next Monday's Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and the USMNT cannot appeal the decision.

According to Article 10.5 of FIFA’s regulations for the 2026

World Cup

“If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.”

Additionally, Article 66.4 indicates:

“A sending-off automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match. The

FIFA

judicial bodies may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures.”

Appeals can only be made if additional games are added to the suspension by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee.

Balogun was sent off after Video Review for committing a "serious foul" on Bosnia center back Tarik Muharemović, as assessed by referee Raphael Claus.

According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the governing body that outlines the laws of the game, “a tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.

“Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.”

Balogun is the fourth player ever to score a goal and receive a red card in a

knockout match. The last player to do so was France legend Zinedine Zidane in the 2006

final as a result of his infamous headbutt on Italy's Marco Materazzi.

Mauricio Pochettino gives firm stance on Folarin Balogun red card for USA at World Cup

The Independent

One rule for Messi, another for Balogun? USA striker sees red in World Cup after controversial VAR call

Transfer rumour roundup: Chelsea circle World Cup star Folarin Balogun; Arsenal ditch Sandro Tonali pursuit

Football Muse

🎥 Balogun & Tillman sink Bosnia: USA in last 16! 🟥 row, Dzeko out 🥹

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United States pass Bosnia World Cup test – but at what cost? Balogun red leaves sour taste in the mouth

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