USMNT Faces Belgium Without Star Striker Balogun Due to Suspension

The United States Men’s National Team is preparing for a significant challenge. After defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they must now face Belgium in the Round of 16 with a key player absent.

Folarin Balogun, a pivotal striker for the USMNT, received a red card in the 64th minute of the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. This decision came after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review by referee Rafael Claus. The incident involved Balogun stepping on Tarik Muharemović’s ankle, a defender for Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Due to the red card, the USMNT cannot appeal, making Balogun unavailable for the crucial match against Belgium. While FIFA could have imposed a longer suspension if they found the incident overly aggressive, they decided Balogun would only miss Monday night’s game.

As reported by Doug McIntyre from Fox Sports, FIFA confirmed that Balogun’s suspension would last for just one match. This decision allows him to rejoin the team if they advance to the quarterfinals, where they might encounter either Spain or Portugal.

The news of Balogun’s suspension carries mixed emotions. Many believed the red card decision was controversial. Initially, referee Claus did not even issue a yellow card before escalating to a red, leaving the USMNT to finish the match with 10 players.

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed his disagreement post-match, calling the challenge a “normal action” within the game. Despite losing Balogun, who has netted three goals in the tournament, the USMNT is determined to succeed. Their last encounter with Belgium ended in a 5-2 defeat during a friendly in March at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.