The U.S. men's national soccer team will be without key striker Folarin Balogun for their upcoming World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. Balogun received a red card during the team's 2-0 shutout victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension.
Balogun was shown the red card in the 64th minute of the match at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium after a clash with Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic. The incident, which initially was not called a foul, prompted a video assistant referee (VAR) review. The referee reviewed the play on the pitchside monitor and determined Balogun committed serious foul play. The VAR recommended the review because Balogun's cleat went down the leg of the opposing defender during a challenge for the ball.
Despite being reduced to 10 players for the remaining 36 minutes of regulation and 10 minutes of stoppage time, the U.S. team secured their win. Balogun had scored the team's first goal in the 45th minute, marking his third goal of the tournament and 11th overall for the team.
According to FIFA regulations, a player receiving a direct or indirect red card is automatically suspended for the subsequent match. Unlike in some club competitions, red card decisions made during the World Cup cannot be appealed.
U.S. Soccer confirmed to ABC News that there is no mechanism for appeal in this instance. If a ban were to extend beyond one game, the team would consider an appeal. USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed his disappointment with the decision, stating he did not believe it was a red card offense, as there was no intention to harm the opponent. Longtime referee Andy Davies, who has operated with VAR, also opined that the card was unfortunate and appeared accidental.
Teammate Weston McKennie described the suspension as "bogus," especially at this critical stage of the tournament where every player is vital.
The U.S. team, which has reached the Round of 16 in their last four World Cup appearances, is set to play Belgium on July 6 in Seattle.