Balogun eligible for U.S. World Cup quarterfinal if team advances
U.S. Soccer says forward Folarin Balogun will be available for selection for a potential quarter-final match after serving the standard one-game suspension for his red card against Bosnia.
The United States men’s national team expects forward Folarin Balogun to be eligible for a possible World Cup quarter-final, provided the co-hosts reach the last eight. Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the round-of-32 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review determined he had stomped on defender Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle. The red card triggered an automatic one-match ban, but a U.S. Soccer spokesperson told The Athletic that FIFA confirmed no additional games will be added to his punishment, meaning he can be selected for the upcoming round-of-16 match against Belgium and, if the U.S. advances, the quarter-final.
"It’s important for me to say, first and foremost, it was totally unintentional. I don’t think it was the correct choice. I think a yellow card would’ve been fair, due to it not being intentional," Balogun said.
Balogun, who turned 25 on Friday, described the decision as “extremely surprising” and said he initially expected a lesser sanction. He added that the incident was unavoidable given the circumstances of the play. After the match, he returned to the field to celebrate with teammates and shake the referees’ hands, emphasizing the need to set a positive example for young fans.
"There are lots of people we’re inspiring, boys and girls watching, you have to show them the right way to handle things, even when you think it’s unjust," he said.
Balogun said he is focusing on staying calm and supporting the team while awaiting the next game. FIFA has not commented further on the matter.