Balogun Misses U.S. Round of 16 Match Against Belgium After Red Card
Striker Folarin Balogun will sit out the United States' World Cup round of 16 game versus Belgium after receiving a red card, though he avoided a multi-game ban.
The United States will be without leading scorer Folarin Balogun for its round of 16 clash with Belgium after the striker was dismissed for a foul on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović. Balogun, who netted in the 2-0 win over Bosnia, received a straight red card in the 64th minute and is automatically suspended for the following match.
U.S. Soccer confirmed that the suspension is limited to one game, meaning Balogun could return if the team advances to the quarterfinals, scheduled for July 11 in Los Angeles. Should the United States defeat Belgium, the next opponent will be the winner of the Spain-Portugal round-of-16 tie.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino is expected to rely on other forwards, with Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright identified as the primary alternatives. Pepi, a newcomer to the World Cup squad, has scored six goals in 17 appearances for the United States and 19 goals for PSV Eindhoven this season. Wright, a veteran of the 2022 tournament, has a record of 49 goals for Coventry City and could also feature alongside or in place of Pepi.
Pochettino may also adjust tactics, potentially deploying Christian Pulisic in a deeper “false nine” role to compensate for Balogun's absence.