Balogun to Miss U.S. World Cup Match After Red Card, Appeal Not Permitted

U.S. forward Folarin Balogun will miss the national team's World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium following a red card issued in the 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The incident occurred in the 64th minute when Balogun appeared to step on opponent Tarek Muharemovic; although the referee did not initially deem it a card-worthy foul, VAR official Juan Soto intervened after replays showed the contact.

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino contested the decision, saying it was an accidental action and not a red-card offense. He raised the possibility of appealing the suspension, but reporters clarified that FIFA regulations do not allow appeals for standard red-card dismissals. The rulebook states that a player sent off for a direct or indirect red card is automatically suspended for the next match, with no provision for appeal.

The appeal process is only available for red cards issued for violent conduct, which carry a three-match ban that can be reduced upon review. FIFA confirmed that Balogun's case does not meet that criterion, leaving the one-match suspension in place. Pochettino noted that Balogun was disappointed but relieved that the United States still advanced to the knockout stage.