USMNT's Folarin Balogun laments controversial ruling sidelining him in World Cup: 'Yellow card would have been fair'

U.S. forward Folarin Balogun said he believed a yellow card would have been fair after a controversial red card in the group-stage match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, and he is now focused on the Round of 16 versus Belgium. Speaking in his first comments since the sending off, Balogun described mixed emotions and emphasized staying calm, adding that examples matter for young viewers when a call feels unjust. FIFA confirmed a one-game suspension that Balogun could not appeal, though it could be extended. The red card came when Balogun challenged Tarik Muhamerović for the ball and his boot scraped the defender’s calf and ankle; the incident has been scrutinized due to slow-motion replay. The decision has been compared to an earlier, similar tackle from Argentina’s Lionel Messi that drew no discipline. Balogun scored in the first half against Bosnia, and the U.S. will likely reshuffle attackers, with Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright among options, while Mauricio Pochettino could consider moving other players into a striker role.