Balogun’s Red Card Controversy Clouds USMNT’s Round of 16 Preparation

Folarin Balogun’s participation in the Round of 16 match against Belgium remains uncertain. The USMNT striker received a red card after a Referee Raphael Claus’s VAR review in the team’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. With a red card given in the 64th minute for stepping on Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle, the U.S. team played the remaining 36 minutes with ten players.

Initially, the U.S. had no way to challenge the red card decision. On Friday, FIFA announced that Balogun, the leading scorer for the U.S. at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, would miss the match against Belgium. However, on Sunday, in a surprising turn, FIFA suspended Balogun’s red card for a year, allowing him to face Belgium.

The decision sparked drama on social media and international discontent. UEFA criticized FIFA’s resolution to suspend the red card. Amidst rising backlash, FIFA is considering a reinstatement of the red card for Monday’s match. According to Adam Crafton of The Athletic, Belgium can appeal the decision by 5 a.m. PST, and the U.S. Soccer Federation has been asked to submit its input as well.

There might be a resolution before the match on Monday night, but the confusion over the appeals process remains. It’s perplexing that the USMNT couldn’t challenge the red card, yet Belgium is allowed to appeal against its suspension. FIFA’s inconsistent decision-making is causing uncertainty, making it difficult for both teams to prepare as they wait to see if Balogun will play.